Offensive Line Shakeup
Packers Consider Offensive Line Changes Following Opening Loss Ahead of Jets Game
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The Packers also worked out veteran defensive tackle Eric Johnson II, a former 2022 fifth-round pick of the New England Patriots, alongside quarterback Cam Miller.
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A potential addition of Cam Miller to the practice squad could put third quarterback Kedon Slovis’ roster spot at risk, especially because Matt LaFleur has previously expressed concerns about carrying more than three quarterbacks.
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LaFleur praised rookie cornerback Brandon Cisse’s performance in the opener, saying he believed Cisse played well despite the team’s defensive collapse in the fourth quarter.
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Tight end Tucker Kraft played 45 snaps against Minnesota, five more than the team’s planned workload of 40, as the Packers managed his usage following his contract extension.
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LaFleur’s offensive-line concerns extend beyond pass protection: he said the Packers must clean up their play in the trenches to reduce penalties, while reports noted that Donovan Jennings allowed more pressures than any other Green Bay lineman and that the team chose him over rookie Jager Burton after Aaron Banks was ruled out.
The Green Bay Packers are scrambling to fix their offensive line after blowing a fourth-quarter lead in a 39-22 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Quarterback Jordan Love was sacked four times and fumbled twice, while the line allowed a dismal 9% pass block win rate — the worst in the NFL ESPN. Coach Matt LaFleur said interior positions are now open to competition after Donovan Jennings and Jacob Monk struggled, and he hinted that Aaron Banks could return from knee tendinitis before facing the New York Jets.
The Packers promoted receiver Bo Melton to the active roster and worked out veteran defensive tackle Eric Johnson II and former Raiders quarterback Cam Miller. Yahoo Sports reported that a Miller signing to the practice squad could threaten third-string quarterback Kedon Slovis' roster spot, as LaFleur has previously worried about carrying more than three signal-callers.
Interior Line Failures Sparked Week 1 Collapse
Donovan Jennings and Jacob Monk allowed more pressures than any other Green Bay lineman during the Vikings game, forcing LaFleur to open the interior positions to open competition. A to Z Sports reported the unit ranked 32nd in pass protection metrics. Jennings was chosen over rookie Jager Burton when Aaron Banks got ruled out, but his performance left the coaching staff looking for alternatives heading into Week 2.
The Packers' pass protection problems go beyond sacks. LaFleur emphasized the team must cut penalties and clean up trench play to compete against the Jets. With Jordan Love taking four sacks and losing two fumbles, the offensive line's struggles were unavoidable. The Vikings exposed gaps that left the young quarterback under constant pressure.
Aaron Banks Could Return to Stabilize the Left
Banks missed the season opener with knee tendinitis but Yahoo Sports indicated he could be available for Week 2 against New York. His return would provide stability at left guard, a critical spot for protecting Love's blind side. The Packers are considering veteran help as well, exploring options like Cordell Volson to upgrade their interior depth, according to A to Z Sports.
LaFleur's confidence in Banks suggests the coaching staff believes the injury was temporary. Getting their high-priced left guard back would ease the pressure of finding new starters. The Jets' defensive line will test whether the Packers can stabilize protection before facing a stronger opponent.
Offense Must Score More in Red Zone
The Packers managed only 22 points against Minnesota despite multiple scoring opportunities. LaFleur defended his decision to attempt a fourth-down conversion instead of taking three points, but the reality is Green Bay's offense stalled in the red zone. The Jet Press noted that the offensive line failures directly contributed to the team's inability to finish drives near the goal line.
Tight end Tucker Kraft played 45 snaps — five more than planned — as the Packers managed his workload post-contract extension. The rushing attack produced only 66 yards, putting extra burden on Love to create scoring chances. Against the Jets' defense, improvement in both areas is essential.
Defensive Bright Spots Offset Offensive Struggles
Rookie cornerback Brandon Cisse impressed in his debut despite the team's fourth-quarter defensive collapse according to LaFleur's praise. The secondary showed promise before the Vikings mounted their comeback, offering hope that the defense can hold up if the offense improves. However, the 39 points allowed to Minnesota revealed serious lapses that must be addressed before New York.
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