The Green Bay Packers lost right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele to a partially torn patellar tendon late in the 2025 season. Understandably, they made sure to bring him along slowly to ensure he would be ready for the season opener against the Minnesota Vikings.
However, his latest remarks don't inspire much confidence.
Bako-Bewele met with the media following the Packers' joint practice with the Arizona Cardinals. When asked about his availability for Week 1 of the regular season, he thought about it for a while before saying he'll be ready, but he also noted that he isn't there yet.
"I will be ready. I wouldn't say I'm quite there, quite yet, but we still have a couple of weeks and I have full confidence that I'll be ready to go," Bako-Bewele said, via Michael Gross of WLUK-TV FOX 11.
There's no reason not to take Bako-Bewele at his word, but the fact that he paused to think about his answer and didn't sound overly confident raises concerns. It's also concerning that he doesn't feel 100 percent this close to Week 1.
Bako-Bewele originally suffered a partial patellar tear against the Denver Broncos in Week 15 and missed the rest of the 2025 campaign. He eventually underwent surgery. Jordan Morgan and Darian Kinnard filled in for him during his absence and managed to hold the fort.
Following his injury, Bako-Bewele spent the offseason rehabbing. He missed the offseason program and was limited at the start of training camp. While the 2022 fourth-round pick has done 11-on-11 drills, he didn't suit up for the first two preseason games and almost certainly won't suit up for the finale.
When you add it all up, you can see why one would be skeptical about his readiness for the season opener.
What can the Packers do if Zach Bako-Bewele isn't ready for Week 1
Bako-Bewele is undeniably the team's best offensive lineman, so the last thing the Packers will want is to rush him back before he's 100 percent. After all, it would only increase his risk of re-injuring his knee.
The regular season is only two weeks away. You would think that Bako-Bewele would be practicing without limitations if he were close to recovering, but that's not the case. So, for the sake of argument, what are the Packers' options if they hold Bako-Bewele out until he's 100 percent? Who could take his place at right tackle?
Jordan Morgan filled in for Bako-Bewele late in 2025, but he's moving to left tackle full-time, so he won't be an option. Darian Kinnard started the playoff game against Chicago, and he gave up just one pressure. Another option would be Anthony Belton, who was projected to start at right guard next season but lost the job to Jacob Monk. It appears Belton is back at tackle.
Kinnard has more experience, but Belton appears to be the frontrunner for the swing tackle job. He has started at right tackle in the preseason.
Maybe Beko-Bewele will suit up in the season opener. He believes he'll be ready. But the Packers must prepare in case he needs to sit out until he's 100 percent.
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