USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Sep 14, 2026 9:03 PM
After a disastrous performance against Minnesota, Green Bay’s front five faces a high-stakes ultimatum as Matt LaFleur demands immediate stability to protect Jordan Love from further hits.
One of the bigger corrections the Green Bay Packers will need to make in Week 2 is getting the offensive line to play competently.
The running game, the pride of head coach Matt LaFleur's system, only managed 66 yards on 21 carries. Quarterback Jordan Love was tossed around, taking four sacks for -34 yards and fumbling twice, with one recovered by the Minnesota Vikings defense.
Those hits should be eye-opening after Love suffered injuries last season. Green Bay's backup from last season, Malik Willis, is now the starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins.
The Packers offensive line, which lost Elgton Jenkins and Rasheed Walker in the offseason, must be much better when the team faces the New York Jets in Week 2.
On Monday, LaFleur told reporters that the interior portion of the offensive line will have competition this week for starting jobs, especially if Aaron Banks cannot play on Sunday as he battles a knee injury.
"We do need to make sure we find continuity as quickly as possible, that's the problem," LaFleur said, via Zach Jacobson of The Packer Dispatch. "
"We've had guys in and out of the line, and I'm not making excuses; it is what it is, but you have to find ways to get it done. The more guys play together, typically the better they play together."
Every team deals with injuries and changes other than the starting five of the offensive line. The Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears had those issues in the offseason, but they didn't have a problem putting up points and winning in Week 1.
The Packers’ best bet would be to have Banks available against New York.
"Here's an experienced guy; you know the game's not too big for him," LaFleur said. "I'm not saying that about anybody else, but he's had a lot of experience. He's gone against that defense.
"As far as communication is concerned, the more you've had guys that have been in those situations, I think, typically, the guys respond a bit better."
Maybe those guys up front will respond to LaFleur's warning about playing time.
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