Sports
Packers turn to John Williams at center as injuries test line before Panthers game
Green Bay is preparing for another offensive-line shuffle Thursday after center Sean Rhyan and backup Jacob Monk were injured against Detroit. John Williams is expected to start at center, while Travis Glover’s knee injury could create an opening for veteran Kevin Zeitler.
GREEN BAY — The Packers are preparing for another change to their offensive line Thursday night, when they host the Carolina Panthers at Lambeau Field on a short week.
Center Sean Rhyan suffered a high-ankle sprain during Sunday’s 20-17 loss to the Detroit Lions and is expected to miss four to six weeks. Backup center Jacob Monk injured his quadriceps five plays later and was placed on injured reserve Monday.
John Williams is in line to start at center. He replaced both injured players against Detroit and played the final 58 offensive snaps without being charged with a sack or penalty, or having a botched exchange with quarterback Jordan Love.
Coach Matt LaFleur praised Williams for handling the communication and operation after the Packers lost two centers early in the game. Love said the two had limited practice time together but that Williams was ready to step into the role.
The Packers had used the same starting five for four straight games: Jordan Morgan at left tackle, Laken Tomlinson at left guard, Rhyan at center, Travis Glover at right guard and Anthony Belton at right tackle. The team had opened the season with four different line combinations in its first four games.
Glover, who played all 67 offensive snaps against Detroit, was listed as a would-be nonparticipant on the Packers’ initial injury report because of a knee injury. If he cannot play Thursday, Kevin Zeitler could get his first offensive action since joining Green Bay on Sept. 30.
Zeitler, 36, has started 220 games, including postseason contests, during his NFL career. He spent the offseason recovering from a hyperextended knee and has played 11 snaps for Green Bay, all on the field-goal protection unit. He was inactive against Detroit.
The Packers also promoted guard and tackle Mekhi Becton from the practice squad to the 53-man roster to replace Monk. Becton, a 2020 first-round draft pick, has made 59 starts across six seasons, including 29 at guard and 30 at tackle.
Green Bay’s injury report also listed defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt, receiver Matthew Golden and defensive tackle Anthony Campbell as nonparticipants. Linebacker Zaire Franklin, who has a shin injury, is expected to miss Thursday’s game. Guard Aaron Banks was limited, while cornerback Benjamin St-Juste fully participated.
The latest injuries come as Green Bay seeks greater consistency up front. The team has yet to establish a productive running game, and the new lineup will have little time to prepare before facing Carolina.