Packers' Zeitler Still Waiting for Starting Role

Veteran guard Kevin Zeitler remains on the sideline as Laken Tomlinson holds down right guard for Green Bay.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Football

Empty patch of torn turf at a football line of scrimmage with a tipped orange cone, a floodlit stadium in the distance under a cold autumn sky. — Kevin Zeitler, signed to a one-year deal, still waits for a starting job as Laken Tomlinson holds right guard for Green Bay. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Green Bay guard Kevin Zeitler, signed to a one-year, $4.05 million contract on September 30, has yet to claim a starting spot on the offensive line. Laken Tomlinson, signed off the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad on September 28, has started five games, four at left guard and the rest at right guard.

Why it matters

The Packers' offensive line has struggled, with the team ranking last in pass block win rate at 31% and Jordan Love sacked 14 times. Green Bay's 60.6 rushing yards per game is the lowest in the Super Bowl era, making line配置 decisions central to the offense.

Zeitler has 213 career NFL starts and is 36 years old in his 15th season, while Tomlinson has a 61.9 Pro Football Focus overall grade. The Packers, now 5-3 and winners of four of their last five, average 60.6 rushing yards per game.

The players

Kevin Zeitler

A veteran NFL guard with 213 career starts who is in his 15th season and was recovering from a quadriceps injury before signing with Green Bay.

Laken Tomlinson

An offensive lineman who has started five games for Green Bay after being signed off the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad.

Aaron Banks

A Packers offensive lineman who signed a four-year, $77 million contract with Green Bay in March 2025.

The details

Zeitler spent his offseason recovering from a quadriceps hyperextension suffered in Week 18 of 2025. Tomlinson moved from left guard to right guard when Aaron Banks returned from injury in Week 8, and Banks allowed four pressures in that game.

September 28, 2026: Green Bay signs Laken Tomlinson off the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad.
September 30, 2026: Green Bay signs Kevin Zeitler to a one-year contract.
Week 8, 2026: Aaron Banks returns from injury and Tomlinson shifts to right guard.

Season Trajectory

Green Bay's 60.6 rushing yards per game ranks as the lowest in the Super Bowl era, placing pressure on an offensive line that already ranks last in pass block win rate at 31%. Shifting starters at guard is one of the few levers the team has to change that trajectory during the season.

Fantasy managers rostering Green Bay offensive linemen should watch whether Tomlinson keeps the right guard spot or Zeitler gets the start. Line changes directly affect how much rushing and protection production the Packers' skill players can expect in coming weeks.

The takeaway

Watch the Packers' rushing and pass protection numbers over the next few games to see whether a lineup change at guard produces a measurable improvement. Shifts in the trenches often show up first in those weekly stats.