3 players Packers must bench after Week 4 embarrassment

1. Royce Newman

The Packers can't start with Royce Newman in Week 5. Matt LaFleur has to come up with another plan. Whether that means giving second-year Sean Rhyan an opportunity, moving Zach Tom to left guard temporarily with Yosh Nijman at right tackle, or bringing in another guard, something has to change.

Assuming Elgton Jenkins isn't back in Week 5, Newman can't start. He is a liability, offering nothing in run blocking and constantly allowing pressure in Jordan Love's face. Newman was bullied in both of his starts against the New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions. Unfortunately, this is nothing new.

According to Pro Football Focus, Newman gave up five pressures and one sack against the Lions. That included a sack on a double-team with Josh Myers. Unacceptable.

Giving up consistent interior pressure is a recipe for disaster. The Lions learned quickly that Newman couldn't hold up, and they tested him all game. Now, he wasn't solely responsible. The entire Packers offensive line struggled against the Lions. But Newman has put in back-to-back awful performances, and it's unlikely to change if the Packers keep starting him.

Green Bay's interior offensive line depth is thin, but the Packers must make a change. They have a week to bring in a free agent, promote a practice squad player like Michael Jordan, or give Sean Rhyan an opportunity. Serious questions will be asked of Matt LaFleur if Newman is starting in Week 5 against the Las Vegas Raiders.

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