After a rocky start that had people wondering whether the Green Bay Packers could miss the playoffs, they have bounced back with consecutive wins to remain in the thick of the NFC North race. One big reason for their recent success is their improved offensive line play. The arrival of Laken Tomlinson, in particular, has brought much-needed stability at left guard.
In two games with the Packers, Tomlinson has given up just two total pressures and no sacks. Similarly, his Pro Football Focus run-blocking grade of 68.1 in that span is nothing to scoff at. So as long as the veteran plays well, he should keep starting at left guard.
But if that's what ends up happening, what will Green Bay do once Aaron Banks is back in the fold?
Packers need to keep Laken Tomlinson at left guard over Aaron Banks
One of the main reasons the Packers signed Laken Tomlinson off the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad to begin with was that Banks started at left guard against the New York Jets in Week 2 but left the game with a toe injury.
Banks has returned to practice and is listed as questionable against the Dallas Cowboys for Sunday Night Football. However, it wouldn't make sense to plug him back into the starting lineup when Tomlinson is doing just fine at left guard.
Keep in mind that Banks has dealt with a myriad of ailments since he signed as a free agent with Green Bay in 2025. He dealt with back, knee, ankle, and groin injuries last year and missed the offseason with a knee injury.
This is another way to say that the Packers need to stick with Tomlinson for as long as he plays well.
While Tomlinson deserves to keep his spot, there's value in having two starting-caliber offensive guards.
When asked what the team plans to do at left guard once Banks returns, offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich stated, via Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, "That's gonna be an interesting thing."
Keep in mind that Tomlinson is 34, though, so even if he thrives, it's hard to see him returning to Titletown next season. It's hard to tell just how much gas he has left in the tank, but you can bet that he's most definitely closer to the twilight of his playing days than the beginning.
Then again, the Packers will cross that bridge in due time. For the time being, they need to reap the rewards of signing Tomlinson for as long as he keeps playing well.
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