Jordan Love stood in the pocket without a care in the world against the Detroit Lions. That could all change on Thursday Night Football, as the Green Bay Packers could miss two key starters along the offensive line.
Starting guard Aaron Banks and right tackle Zach Tom haven't practiced yet this week and face a race against time for the Week 2 clash against the Washington Commanders. Based on Love's latest comments, it doesn't sound like he's expecting either to play.
"We may have some guys out there who haven't been out there, so it's one of those things where you've just got to adjust on the fly," said Love, via The Athletic's Matt Schneidman. "I've got confidence in them that they'll be able to go out there and do their job and execute at a high level."
Jordan Love hints at Packers reshuffling their injury-hit offensive line on TNF vs. Commanders
Head coach Matt LaFleur said he will give both players until game time, but the signs aren't encouraging.
Banks is dealing with ankle and groin injuries, while Tom suffered an oblique injury following Love's would-be interception. Lions edge-rusher Aidan Hutchinson illegally hit Love on the return, and in the process, forced Tom to jump over him to avoid a collision. He exited the game after that play and couldn't return.
In Tom's place, the Packers surprisingly went with Darian Kinnard, whom they traded a future sixth-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for only two weeks earlier. Kinnard didn't have a perfect game in pass protection — although he allowed zero pressures — but he was outstanding as a run-blocker. The Packers' trade already looks smart.
Washington has an excellent pass rush and could exploit Green Bay's makeshift offensive line, should both starters miss the game. The Commanders pressured Russell Wilson 24 times while recording two sacks and eight quarterback hits in a comfortable Week 1 victory. Per Pro Football Focus, defensive end Dorance Armstrong had six pressures and a sack.
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It remains to be seen whether Kinnard will start in place of Tom or whether the Packers prefer to roll with second-round rookie Anthony Belton, who played at right tackle in college.
If Banks is out, Jordan Morgan will presumably get the start at left guard. He had rotated with Sean Rhyan at right guard against the Lions before shifting to the left side to cover for Banks.
The Packers have options, but their depth will be tested if neither Banks nor Tom is available.
Love enjoyed a clean pocket for much of the season opener, but he may face a more daunting task with Dan Quinn's defense teeing off against a banged-up offensive line.