How will Packers construct offensive line after making vet additions?
In the last week, the Green Bay Packers added three veteran offensive linemen to the roster: Laken Tomlinson, Mekhi Becton and Kevin Zeitler. Between the three, the Packers are getting an incredible 434 career starts of experience -- instantly adding much-needed credibility to an offensive line that was historically bad during the first three weeks of the season.
It's unclear if Tomlinson, Becton and Zeitler can save the day for the Packers, who are 1-2 and coming off a 21-point loss in the home opener last Thursday night. The offense has been the worst in the NFL at running the football (at least by rushing yards per game) and winning in pass protection (at least by pass block win rate). But Matt LaFleur now has a precious commodity: options. Proven options.
The 2026 season started with the Packers trying to fit young, inexperienced players into a changing puzzle. It failed disastrously, in part due to injuries, but also because the young players at certain spots weren't ready for regular season football. Now, LaFleur can start deciding how he wants the starting five to look with true veteran options in the mix.
A few things look certain: Jordan Morgan is the starting left tackle, and Sean Rhyan is the starting center. And, in the not-so-distant future, Zeitler will be the starting right guard. He's made 213 career starts and has been one of the most reliable right guards in football for over a decade. The Packers are giving him up to $5 million in 2026 because they think he can be the weekly starter at right guard, currently one of the most troubled spots on the offensive line.
LaFleur made it clear Zeitler will be the starter once he's ready.
"We've got to get him into practice, and certainly there's going to be a ramp up period for him. As soon as he feels good and ready to go, he'll be in there," LaFleur said Wednesday.
Will Zeitler be ready for Sunday in Tampa? That might be a big ask, considering Zeitler hasn't played football since last January (10 snaps in Week 18) and did not get a training camp. If he can't go, the Packers may have to roll with Donovan Jennings at right guard because former starter Jacob Monk is currently out with a quad injury. Becton was a full-time starter at right guard for the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in 2024, but he's coming off a significant shoulder injury and is likely to need multiple weeks on the practice squad before he's ready to step in and play.
Left guard and right tackle are bigger question marks.
Aaron Banks is still out with knee and toe injuries, so Tomlinson -- who has made 159 career starts -- appears to be the likely starter there in the short term. Considering Banks' constant injury issues, Tomlinson might end up starting a bunch of games at left guard for the 2026 Packers. But having a veteran like Tomlinson as a fallback option is certainly better than hoping the light will suddenly come on for Jennings or rookie Jager Burton, who both struggled mightily as starters in the first three weeks. Given the additions, Burton might not see the field again during his rookie season.
At right tackle, 2025 second-round pick Anthony Belton looks like the most likely starter, at least for now. Becton has experience at both tackle spots and will likely provide competition if Belton continues to struggle. The Packers also have 2025 seventh-round pick John Williams and 2024 sixth-round pick Travis Glover available as other options at right tackle. This could be a troublesome position for the Packers because there isn't an obvious answer or proven solution.
So, what's the most likely offensive line group for Sunday against the Buccaneers? Probably Morgan at left tackle, Tomlinson at left guard, Rhyan at center, Zeitler or Jennings at right guard and Belton at right tackle.
The Packers made a mess of the offensive line entering the 2026 season, forcing Brian Gutekunst to dip not once, not twice but three times into the veteran free agent pool for help. At least the Packers aren't going down without swinging. Tomlinson, Becton and Zeitler provide options. Zeitler will be a starter. Given the injury and performance issues, Tomlinson is almost certain to start multiple games. And Becton is a real option at both guard spots and right tackle.
It's now on LaFleur, Adam Stenavich and Luke Butkus to get the veterans up to speed, fit the pieces of the puzzle together the right way and get the Packers offensive line operating at a competent level.
