After signing offensive tackle Zach Tom to a four-year $88 million deal, the future of the Green Bay Packers' offensive line was ready to start the season strong. But just two weeks into the season, one of Green Bay's biggest investments is facing a setback.
Tom suffered an oblique injury during the season opener after diving over Jordan Love, who was knocked down by Aidan Hutchinson during a would-be interception return. He missed the rest of that game and ended up not playing against the Washington Commanders.
This opened the door for Darian Kinnard and rookie Anthony Belton to step into the position for significant snaps much earlier than fans expected.
Packers already benefitting from additions of Anthony Belton and Darrian Kinnard
Kinnard, a new acquisition from the Philadelphia Eagles, stepped in for Tom during the win over the Detroit Lions and split reps with Belton in Week 2. Having played just three games in his NFL career, Kinnard was originally viewed as a backup option who would likely fill in along the line later in the season, when wear and tear become more prevalent.
But with Tom already sidelined, the Packers may lean on Kinnard more than predicted.
Second-round pick Belton also found himself on the field sooner than he anticipated. Belton faced some penalty issues during preseason, recording a league-high of eight through those three games, according to PFF. Now, with the right tackle position vacant, Belton can put in some meaningful snaps that could make an impact on his future role with the team.
"All I told them before the game was, 'the strength of the wolf is the pack,'" said center Elgton Jenkins, via Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "It's a next-man-up mentality."
The Packers have worked on their offensive line depth for this exact scenario. In addition to Tom's injury, the Packers have placed Jacob Monk and Travis Glover on injured reserve, keeping them off the field through the Week 5 bye. Aaron Banks, whom the Packers signed during the offseason to a four-year, $77 million deal, missed Week 2 due to groin and ankle injuries.
Instead of seeing Jordan Love be thrown to the wolves, new talent like Belton, Kinnard, and Jordan Morgan have risen to the challenge.
The Packers have appeared to be more than capable of protecting the pocket against the 2024 powerhouses they've faced so far. Detroit's Aidan Hutchinson, who was leading the league in sacks before his season-ending injury last year, recorded just one QB pressure in the opener.
The Commanders, who allowed the third-least passing yards per game last season, were unable to control Jordan Love as he threw for two touchdowns and nearly 300 yards.
Packers fans are hoping Tom and Banks can return as soon as possible, especially with upcoming matchups against the Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, and Cincinnati Bengals, who have powerful defensive players like Myles Garrett, Kenny Clark, and Trey Hendrickson. But Green Bay's new additions could spawn new lineup combinations that keep the pocket clear.