The Green Bay Packers aren't afraid to throw out the script and make a last-minute trade to fix a roster problem. Look no further than last year's move for Malik Willis.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst realized that neither Sean Clifford nor Michael Pratt, who spent an offseason battling to back up Jordan Love, had done enough to earn the team's trust. Gutekunst sent a seventh-rounder to the Tennessee Titans in a cutdown-day stunner that ultimately saved their season.
Fast forward to the present day, and the storm clouds are gathering at the backup positions along the offensive line, notably center. Second-year Jacob Monk isn't just losing his grip on the No. 2 job, but potentially his roster spot, paving the way for another desperation trade.
Packers may need to add reinforcements to the offensive line if Jacob Monk's disappointing preseason continues
The Packers put faith in Monk this offseason. After moving on from last year's starting center Josh Myers and replacing him with Elgton Jenkins, Green Bay stood firm with its depth at the position. The team drafted tackle Anthony Belton and John Williams, a college tackle who will likely play guard for the Packers.
But they didn't provide competition for Monk, instead showing confidence that he could become the No. 2 option at center. That decision is already haunting them.
Monk received a significant share of first-team reps during Jenkins' offseason absence, but it sure didn't look like it when he took the field for last week's preseason opener.
The former fifth-round pick gave away three penalties and allowed a sack in a preseason debut to forget. It seemed like Green Bay already had its doubts, as starting right guard Sean Rhyan, and not Monk, received the No. 2 center snaps once Jenkins' day was done. Monk took over at right guard instead.
Rhyan getting the nod at center immediately raised eyebrows among the Packers' fanbase. If Monk isn't the backup center, he didn't help his chances of playing guard anytime soon.
Green Bay's starting five is in good shape. Free-agent addition Aaron Banks, Jenkins, and Zach Tom have secured their spots. Jordan Morgan is closing the gap on Rasheed Walker in the race to win the left tackle job, while Morgan also remains in play for the right guard job.
In any case, the Packers have solid tackle depth, as Tom, Walker, Morgan, and rookie Anthony Belton can all start if necessary. The same isn't true at center.
While Morgan offers the flexibility to play at guard if a starter goes down, the center position becomes a problem if Jenkins misses time. The Packers would need to reshuffle the line to fill the void.
Monk stepping up and winning the No. 2 job would solve a growing concern. He could be the missing jigsaw piece in the offensive line. But that requires a dramatic turnaround, as his performance in the preseason opener decreased the odds of that happening.
The second-year center desperately needs a good game against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday. If last week's nightmarish performance returns for Round 2, the Packers may need to make another last-minute trade to find the interior line depth they need.