The Green Bay Packers are undefeated and enter Week 3 as heavy favorites against the winless Cleveland Browns.
Myles Garrett can change that. A failure to block the six-time Pro Bowler can derail even the best game plans, but fortunately, help could be on the way for the Packers.
The offensive line held up versus Washington, even without star right tackle Zach Tom and left guard Aaron Banks, but both are trending in the right direction ahead of this week's game. Head coach Matt LaFleur said both players would practice on Wednesday, a promising sign for their availability in Week 3.
And LaFleur's promise came true. Tom, who is dealing with an oblique injury, and Banks, with a groin issue, were limited participants. Neither practiced last week, so this is a notable step.
The Packers' mini bye week may have helped Zach Tom and Aaron Banks get healthy
The quick turnaround from Week 1 to 2 gave both players an unlikely shot at playing in last week's win over the Commanders, but they've since had extra time to recover.
Stopping Garrett is the key to this week's matchup. According to Pro Football Focus, he ties Micah Parsons' 10 pressures through the opening two weeks. Garrett also holds the league lead with 3.5 sacks. The Browns have struggled to win games, but that's no fault of Garrett's, who is already at his brilliant, All-Pro best.
Banks made it clear that he will return this week, although Tom was less certain. But it's Banks' return that could be the most important for this game.
Per PFF, Garrett has primarily lined up on the right side of the defensive line, leaving the responsibility to the left side of the offensive line. That's where Banks' experience could help alongside left tackle Rasheed Walker.
Even if Tom can't go, Banks' return would free up Jordan Morgan, giving the Packers another quality option at right tackle if the Browns decide to move Garrett around.
The Packers held up well last week. Morgan stepped in at left guard, while Darian Kinnard and Anthony Belton spent time at right tackle. According to PFF, Green Bay's offensive line allowed 11 pressures but zero hits or sacks on Jordan Love.
Morgan allowed two pressures at left guard, Kinnard one at right tackle, and Belton zero, although he had one penalty.
Facing Garrett presents a far greater challenge, though, and the Packers' offensive line needs to hold up to give Love a chance.
Hopefully, getting at least one of Tom or Banks back will make a difference.