Packers could be down two O-line starters for TNF vs Commanders, and while that headline has Washington on alert, Detroit fans should perk up too. In the NFC North, every stumble matters. Green Bay already faced questions about its offensive line depth, and missing both Zach Tom and Aaron Banks for a primetime matchup would shake the foundation of their offense.
But this isn’t just about the Packers limping into Thursday Night Football—it’s about how these cracks ripple through the division, and how the Lions can take advantage of them in the long haul. Let’s break it down.
Packers Could Be Down Two O-Line Starters for TNF vs Commanders: The Immediate Storyline
Zach Tom, Green Bay’s reliable right tackle, has been nursing an oblique injury since the preseason. Aaron Banks, the left guard, tweaked both his groin and ankle during practice last week. Both players landed on the DNP (Did Not Participate) list early this week, making them question marks for TNF.
If both sit, the Packers could be forced to juggle their line with backups Rasheed Walker, Royce Newman, and rookie Jordan Morgan—all of whom lack consistent NFL starting experience.
For Washington, this means opportunities. Their defensive line, anchored by Jonathan Allen and Montez Sweat, already thrives on disruption. Facing a makeshift Packers front could tilt Thursday’s game toward chaos.
Why Detroit Cares About Packers’ O-Line Injuries
Detroit isn’t playing Washington this week—but Lions fans should be locked in on this storyline. Why? Because:
Division implications: Every Packers loss improves Detroit’s cushion in the NFC North race.
Tape advantage: Detroit’s defensive staff can study how Washington exploits Green Bay’s backups—lessons that can be applied when the Lions face the Packers again.
Psychological edge: If Jordan Love gets hammered behind a shaky line, it could shake his confidence for weeks to come.
In Detroit, fans know momentum isn’t just about wins—it’s about pressure points. And nothing pressures a quarterback more than leaky protection.
Green Bay’s Line in Context: Strong When Healthy, Vulnerable When Thin
On paper, the Packers’ line is solid when intact:
David Bakhtiari (LT): Still elite when available, but his injury history is long.
Aaron Banks (LG): Reliable run blocker with strong leverage, but lacking in pass sets.
Josh Myers (C): Serviceable, but inconsistent with snaps and reach blocks.
Elgton Jenkins (RG): Green Bay’s most versatile lineman.
Zach Tom (RT): The breakout of 2023, anchoring the edge.
But once you pull two starters out, the shuffle becomes dangerous. Chemistry on the line is like rhythm in jazz—you can’t fake it.
Detroit knows this firsthand. Back in 2022, when the Lions lost both Frank Ragnow and Jonah Jackson in the same week, Jared Goff’s timing disintegrated. Green Bay faces that exact risk now.
Packers Could Be Down Two O-Line Starters for TNF vs Commanders: Matchup Breakdown
Washington’s Defensive Front vs Green Bay’s Makeshift Line
Jonathan Allen vs Backup Guard: Allen’s bull rush and swim moves feast on interior linemen who lack technique. If Banks is out, Royce Newman could be overpowered.
Montez Sweat vs Rookie Tackle: If Jordan Morgan fills in at right tackle, Sweat’s length and speed will be a nightmare.
Stunts and Twists: Washington thrives on confusing young linemen with late movement. Expect pressure to collapse Love’s pocket early.
Jordan Love’s Dilemma
Without protection, Love may be forced into quick throws and rollouts. That limits Green Bay’s deep-passing arsenal and shrinks Matt LaFleur’s playbook.
For Detroit fans, watching how Love reacts to pressure is valuable scouting. Hutchinson and McNeill could replicate similar looks later in the season.
Historical Parallels: Packers’ Line Injuries That Shifted Seasons
This isn’t the first time Green Bay’s O-line health shaped its destiny:
2015: Injuries to Bryan Bulaga and TJ Lang derailed Aaron Rodgers’ rhythm, leading to a mid-season slide.
2017: David Bakhtiari missed multiple weeks, and Rodgers eventually broke his collarbone under constant duress.
2020: Corey Linsley’s absence in the playoffs allowed Tampa Bay to overwhelm Rodgers, ending Green Bay’s Super Bowl bid.
For Lions fans, these moments are reminders: when Green Bay’s wall cracks, the whole fortress can fall.
Packers Could Be Down Two O-Line Starters for TNF vs Commanders: Detroit’s Angle on the NFC North
The NFC North is always a knife fight. With Minnesota rebuilding, Chicago experimenting with Ben Johnson, and Green Bay trying to reboot with Love, the Lions are in position to dominate.
But domination requires consistency. If Green Bay’s O-line falters this week and beyond, it weakens their playoff push and strengthens Detroit’s claim to the division crown. Watching Thursday’s game isn’t rubbernecking—it’s scouting.
Washington’s Role: Can They Deliver a Blueprint?
If the Commanders torch Green Bay’s line, the blueprint is out:
Attack interior weaknesses with power rushers.
Use twists and delayed blitzes to force communication errors.
Keep Jordan Love off his spot.
Detroit’s staff will be watching. Expect Aaron Glenn to note every weak point exposed.
Looking Ahead: Packers’ Options if Injuries Persist
If Tom and Banks miss multiple weeks, the Packers may:
Promote depth players: Walker and Newman get extended snaps.
Elevate rookies: Jordan Morgan thrown into fire.
Scour waivers: Expect Green Bay to sniff around veterans cut late in camp.
But none of these are ideal. Continuity takes time, and Detroit knows how long it can take to rebuild line chemistry.
