The Packers Offensive Line Situation Has Shifted This Week

The Green Bay Packers offensive line has seen changes since the team’s opening preseason game. As the Packers begin joint practices with the Indianapolis Colts this week, there are two positions in flux. The battle for the starting left tackle position is heating up while the team’s depth at center has now become a concern as nobody has emerged as a reliable backup at the position.

The Packers Offensive Line Situation Has Shifted: Left Tackle

The left tackle battle has taken a new turn. Incumbent Rasheed Walker missed the preseason debacle against the Jets on Saturday with a groin injury. With Walker missing time in practice last week, 2024 first-round pick Jordan Morgan finally got extensive reps at left tackle with the first-string offense.

Last season, Morgan started OTAs working at left tackle, but by the time training camp started, he had been shifted to right guard. He rotated there, seeing action in several series per game. He even started one game when injuries struck at center. However, Morgan’s season came to a close after six games due to a should injury.

Morgan played well against the Jets, something only a handful of Packers players could claim. He did not allow a pressure in pass protection. He spent time playing with the first string at left tackle and held his own. He played 36 total snaps in the game, including 22 in pass protection.

“I thought he did a nice job,” head coach Matt LaFleur said when asked about Morgan. “I thought there was a lot of good things to build upon. It was a solid performance.”

The coaching staff indicated Morgan would get a chance to fight for the starting left tackle spot before training camp started. Now, he appears to be making the most of that opportunity.

Walker has since returned to practice so the battle at left tackle is on. Morgan should also be fighting for the starting right guard spot with Sean Rhyan if he doesn’t win the battle at left tackle.

Another Factor Hanging Over the Battle

The contract situation for Walker and Rhyan also needs to be taken into consideration when considering the long-term situation at left tackle. Both players are entering the final year of their rookie deals and are scheduled to be unrestricted free agents after this season unless they are signed to a new contract.

Even if Walker wins the starting job in training camp, he will have to play well enough to earn a new deal with the Packers for 2026 and beyond. The team already has two potential replacements at left tackle in Morgan, if he continues to play well, and 2025 second round pick Anthony Belton.

Belton played right tackle against the Jets and had a solid performance. In fact, the only offensive lineman who Pro Football Focus gave a higher job to against the Jets was Morgan. Belton did not allow a pressure in 42 overall snaps including 25 in pass protection. Belton also had a key block on Amar Johnson’s 39-yard touchdown run.

Belton is still learning and does not appear ready to start in 2025. But that could easily change by next season.

If Walker doesn’t return, the Packers could install Morgan at left tackle in 2026 or move right tackle Zach Tom to the left side and slide Belton into the right tackle spot. GM Brian Gutekunst could also add another offensive tackle early in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Packers Offensive Line Situation Has Shifted: Backup Center Uncertainty

The Packers know Elgton Jenkins will be the starting center if he’s healthy. But thus far, nobody has stepped up and claimed the backup center spot.

Rhyan saw extensive action there against the Jets, but he played poorly. It was Rhyan who was beaten badly on the strip sack that the Jets recovered in the end zone for a touchdown on Saturday.

Jacob Monk, who was viewed as a potential backup center, also played very poorly against the Jets. He did not take snaps at center against New York.

Trey Hill remains on the roster but played very poorly at Family Night and may not make the team. He does have three years of NFL experience with the Bengals and has started three games in his career.

The Packers also re-signed Lecitus Smith who spent time on the Packers practice squad last season. Smith also has NFL experience at guard and center but remains a long shot to make the team.

As of now, the backup center position remains unsettled. If Jenkins were to miss time, the Packers would have a lot of juggling to do along the offensive line to replace him. The team needs someone to step up and claim the backup role before the season starts.