Packers Searching for Solutions to Injury-Plagued Offensive Line

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love faced pressure from the Detroit Lions due to an injury-riddled offensive line.

The Green Bay Packers faced a tough loss to the Detroit Lions, and the blame can be placed on the injury-riddled offensive line. Quarterback Jordan Love found himself constantly under pressure, and running backs Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon struggled to find running lanes. Head coach Matt LaFleur is considering lineup changes to find a winning combination.

The Packers had high hopes for their offensive line, particularly on the left side with David Bakhtiari at tackle and Elgton Jenkins at guard. However, both players have been plagued by injuries this season. Bakhtiari was placed on injured reserve, and it remains uncertain if he will return this season. Jenkins has missed two consecutive games with a sprained MCL.

With Bakhtiari and Jenkins out, the Packers have turned to Rasheed Walker at left tackle and Royce Newman at left guard. Walker, a seventh-round pick in 2022, had not played an offensive snap until this season. Newman, who started 16 games as a rookie in 2021, had fallen out of favor with the coaching staff.

The Packers' injury-riddled offensive line was no match for the Lions' formidable defensive front. Love was sacked five times, and the running game was virtually nonexistent. The Packers faced numerous third-and-long situations, putting them at a disadvantage.

The Packers' offensive line struggles were not limited to Bakhtiari and Jenkins. Right tackle Zach Tom played through a knee injury, and right guard Jon Runyan Jr. sprained his ankle early in the game. Both players were not as effective as usual.

Despite their offensive line issues, the Packers have shown resilience in their last two games. They were able to rally in the second half against the Lions and erased a 17-point deficit against the Saints. However, their inability to run the ball and stop the run remains a concern. They are averaging just 3.3 yards per carry and 74.5 yards rushing per game, while allowing 4.5 yards per carry and 150.3 yards rushing per game.

There were some individual bright spots in the Packers' loss to the Lions. Wide receiver Romeo Doubs had a career-high nine catches for 95 yards. Kicker Anders Carlson made field goals from 34 and 50 yards, remaining perfect on extra points and field goals this season.

On the downside, Newman and Runyan struggled to provide adequate protection for Love and open up running lanes. Running back AJ Dillon had a disappointing performance, averaging just 2.7 yards per carry.

The Packers have some time to regroup before their next game against the Las Vegas Raiders. They will have a 23-day span with just one game, allowing for extra preparation and rest. Cornerback Jaire Alexander, running back Aaron Jones, and wide receiver Christian Watson are all dealing with injuries but are expected to have bigger workloads against the Raiders.

Looking ahead, the Packers have a bye week after their game against the Raiders and will face the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings in their upcoming matchups.

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