GREEN BAY − As the Green Bay Packers are piecing together their offensive line, the starting left tackle spot is still up for grabs.
When asked about the competition, Packers coach Matt LaFleur said, “It’s 100% a competition.”
Rasheed Walker has the most experience at left tackle but, due to a groin injury, hasn’t played in preseason and has been limited during training camp. After Jordan Morgan shifted from guard to tackle, coaches have had a chance to get a longer look at 2024 first-round draft pick and, through two preseason games, he has made a good impression.
“I’ve liked it. He’s done a really good job and that was the big thing to see how he goes out there and plays,” Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said about Morgan. “He played against a really good D-end (Indianapolis Colts’ Laiatu Latu) yesterday and did a good job. It was encouraging to see him out there and it was good to see.”
Both LaFleur and Stenavich have said they won’t rule out rotating linemen or have position battles continue into the regular season. A big priority for the coaches is to get Walker healthy as they work through finding the starter.
“When guys aren’t out there playing, you can’t get an evaluation, obviously,” Stenavich said. “We have to get Rasheed out there and get him playing and we’ll be able to see what we have.
“We still have competition open right now and I’m okay with that until someone grabs the job.”
Here are other takeaways on the offensive line from the Packers’ Aug. 17 media availability:
Anthony Belton responded after rough first half
Through two preseason games, tackle Anthony Belton has had highs and lows. He’s had moments that show why he was a second-round draft pick, but also that the rookie has some work to do before coaches are comfortable putting him on the field.
In the Packers’ 23-19 preseason win over the Colts, Belton had five penalties in the second quarter alone − two illegal formations, an unnecessary roughness, a false start and a facemask.
After getting an earful from LaFleur as the team ran into the locker room at halftime, Belton answered with a clean second half, including a key block and push on Amar Johnson’s touchdown run.
Belton said after the game, “All the penalties were drive killers. That touchdown was called back because of self-inflicted penalties. Stuff like that can’t happen. I’ve just got to grow up. I’ve got to get out of those old habits. I’ve got to learn quick.”
While no coach wants a player to pick up inexcusable penalties or make mistakes, for Belton to not let his first-half performance affect his second half showed maturity for a newcomer.
“He did respond, which I was excited about,” Packers offensive line coach Luke Butkus said. “That first half was pretty bad, he’ll be the first one to admit it. Guys were all over him and it wasn’t just me, it wasn’t (Stenavich), it was our guys on the sidelines, too. For him to come back and play a cleaner second half, he’s going to play with physicality.
“He didn’t go down in the dumps, he came back and admitted to it, stuck his chest out and said, ‘Let’s go, I want some more.’”
Elgton Jenkins leading the charge up front
Veteran Elgton Jenkins is in full command at center for the Packers and he’s in a good place.
He opened camp on the active/non-football injury list and was dealing with a back injury, but Jenkins took snaps at center during the preseason opener with the New York Jets and has been leading the way during practice.
Packers quarterback Jordan Love had a strong relationship with previous center, Josh Myers, and is buidling that same connection now with Jenkins.
“It’s been really good. You can tell Jordan (Love) likes working with him, too,” Stenavich said. He’s very assertive. He’s very knowledgeable and takes charge of the calls and the offensive line. He’s a very good presence in there for everyone. Especially if we are trying to get different guys at different spots, you’ve got a guy like Elgton in there that can make sure we’re targeting and going the right direction, then it makes it easier on everybody else.”
