The Green Bay Packers are preparing to take on the Dallas Cowboys this Sunday. They will face big problems with their o-line. In the case of the Eagles, with important players missing because of injuries, their strategy will have to change drastically in order to keep the squad just as competitive.
Either way, Zach Tom will definitely miss the coming game due to an oblique injury. He incurred this injury in the season opening game against the Chicago Bears. This injury forced him to miss out on Week 2. He came back in time to play the Cleveland Browns but only lasted one snap before exiting the game for a fifth time. His absence will be missed as he was poised to be one of the most productive guys on the line.
Anthony Belton, who would have been the front-runner to replace Tom, has been ruled out with injury. This is a much harder position for the Packers to be in. Now they’re on the lookout for other replacements to take the place of both players. Even Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur understood the uphill battle his team was dealing with in having a banged-up offensive line.
At the same time, Aaron Banks is still a big question mark going into Sunday’s game. Banks has been dealing with her own back injury. Unfortunately, this issue has kept him off the report for the past two weeks. Coach LaFleur called Banks’ status “iffy,” meaning that his availability will be a game-time decision. If Banks is unable to go, Morgan will replace him at left guard. He did a commendable job stepping into that role when Tom was unable to go vs the Browns.
The Packers acquired Kinnard ahead of cut down day from the Philadelphia Eagles on August 25, adding more depth to their offensive line. With Tom and Belton gone, it’s up to Kinnard to be the one to step up. Perhaps most importantly, he and the other healthy players must fill the biggest voids properly.
That could all change though as the Packers continue to add and subtract from their roster of 53 men before opening kickoff. The cumulative effect of losing both Tom and Belton would be dramatic on their offensive game plan against a tough Cowboys D. Although this is a lot of movement as they enter this important matchup, cattle in the room, the team has to turn their feet fast.
“I think he’s done a nice job,” – Coach Matt LaFleur
He further elaborated on Morgan’s development, saying,
“I think he gets better every day. He gets more comfortable with what we’re asking him to do. Even in the limited snaps he’s played for us, I think he’s done all right.” – Coach Matt LaFleur
The situation remains fluid as the Packers finalize their roster ahead of kickoff. The impact of missing both Tom and Belton could significantly affect their offensive strategy against a formidable Cowboys defense. As they head into this crucial matchup, the team must quickly adapt to these changes.
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