Packers add veteran linemen as Jayden Reed requires season-ending surgery
GREEN BAY — The Packers signed veteran offensive linemen Kevin Zeitler, Laken Tomlinson and Mekhi Becton Sr. this week as the club attempts to stabilize a unit that has struggled protecting quarterback Jordan Love and running the ball. The additions come as slot receiver Jayden Reed will miss the remainder of the season after sustaining a neck injury in Week 2 that requires surgery. The moves aim to provide immediate experience up front ahead of Sunday’s game at Tampa Bay.
Head Coach Matt LaFleur said the presence of experienced players should calm an inexperienced front. “I think it just calms down the O-line,” he said. Tomlinson is most likely to provide immediate help at left guard, where Aaron Banks has battled injuries; Zeitler is a right guard, and Becton, a converted tackle, is on the practice squad. The team acknowledged uncertainty about who can be ready to start right away.
Injuries have forced Green Bay into lineup shuffling, with veteran Zach Bako-Bewele out for the year and Banks listed on the injury report and not practicing Wednesday. Among Zeitler (213), Tomlinson (162) and Becton (59), the Packers added more than 400 regular-season starts along the offensive front. The club is seeking improvement in the run game and in pass protection after a rocky start to the season.
Jordan Love called Reed “one of one” and said the team was thankful Reed was “walking around the building and doing OK” after the frightening injury that required him to be carted off with his neck braced. With Reed sidelined, the Packers will rely more on targets such as Skyy Moore and Bo Melton while integrating the newly signed linemen. Love said the roster gathered this week so players could get to know the newest teammates and reinforce the club’s response to adversity. He added that the team will lean on one another as it navigates the challenge.
NFL Sports Blog Take
The addition of Zeitler, Tomlinson and Becton injects veteran experience into a front that has been undermined by injuries and youth. Their combined regular-season starts should help settle fundamentals and communication, but integration will require practice and game reps before the unit can be expected to produce consistent results. With Jayden Reed out for the year and Aaron Banks still in the medical mix, immediate expectations should be measured: the line could stabilize, but restoring balance between run and pass will be critical to easing pressure on Jordan Love and improving the offense over the coming weeks.