4 players Packers must bench in Week 8 (and who should replace them)

Jon Runyan Jr.

Replacement: Sean Rhyan

Staying with the theme of offensive linemen, Jon Runyan's inconsistencies in pass blocking and his problems in the run game have reached critical mass.

Runyan allowed three pressures against Denver, upping his season total to 10, most on the Packers. His 50.8 PFF run-blocking block grade is down from last season, and his game tape is littered with failing attempts to execute his blocking assignment. After posting average PFF grades the previous two seasons (65.1, 62.6), he's trending below average in 2023 (56.9).

Runyan is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, but the Packers could free $1.52 million in cap space by moving him at the deadline.

With Royce Newman hardly clinging to a roster spot, the Packers may finally decide to roll out second-year man Sean Rhyan. Rhyan was suspended for six games in his rookie season for violating the NFL's PED policy, but the Packers have reason to be excited about the big, strong, and athletic third-round pick.

Rhyan has a mean streak to his game, and he came into training camp this season having undertaken a total transformation in his mindset, coachability, and work ethic. At the very least, Rhyan offers a much higher ceiling than either Runyan or Newman, and his preseason tape reflected his growth. It's time to give him a run as a starter.