By Matt Brown,Total Apex Sports
Copyright yardbarker
The Green Bay Packers received a much-needed dose of positive news on the injury front as they prepare for a difficult road test against the Cleveland Browns. Starting offensive linemen Zach Tom and Aaron Banks both returned to practice on Wednesday in a limited capacity, a significant development for a unit that will face one of the league’s most formidable defensive fronts this Sunday.
Their potential return could not come at a better time, as the Packers’ offensive line is tasked with containing a Cleveland defense that has been dominant through the first two weeks of the season. The health and cohesion of the offensive line will be a critical factor in Green Bay’s ability to maintain its undefeated record.
Green Bay Packers Get A Welcome Sight at Practice
Both right tackle Zach Tom (oblique) and left guard Aaron Banks (ankle/groin) were inactive for the Packers’ Week 2 victory over the Washington Commanders after suffering injuries in the season opener. Their absence was felt, and their return to the practice field, even in a limited fashion, is a crucial first step toward their availability for Week 3.
According to head coach Matt LaFleur, both players were expected to be limited participants. While their status for the game is still uncertain, their presence at practice is a clear sign of progress. The Packers’ offense has shown flashes of its potential, but injuries along the offensive line have been a hurdle. Getting two of their most important players back in the fold would provide a massive boost in both performance and morale.
The Importance of Banks and Tom
The significance of having Tom and Banks back in the lineup cannot be overstated. Tom, who signed a contract extension in the offseason, has established himself as one of the premier right tackles in the NFL. His performance in Week 1 against the Detroit Lions’ star pass rusher, Aidan Hutchinson, was a masterclass in technique and execution, as he held the All-Pro without a single tackle. His replacement, rookie Anthony Belton, performed admirably against Washington, but Tom’s experience and elite skill set are irreplaceable.
Banks was the Packers’ marquee free-agent signing this past offseason, brought in to solidify the interior of the offensive line. The team invested heavily in him with a four-year, $77 million contract, viewing him as a cornerstone piece. His power in the run game and reliability in pass protection are vital to the offense’s success. Last year’s first-round pick, Jordan Morgan, filled in for Banks but struggled at times, highlighting the value Banks brings to the left guard position.
Facing a Formidable Browns Defense
The potential return of Tom and Banks is especially critical given the upcoming matchup. The Cleveland Browns boast the top-ranked defense in the NFL through two weeks, leading the league in total defense and rushing defense. Their defensive line is the engine of their success, headlined by perennial All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett.
Garrett already leads the NFL with 3.5 sacks this season and is a constant threat to disrupt an opposing offense. However, the Browns’ defensive front is far from a one-man show. Defensive tackle Maliek Collins ranks second in the league in pass-rush win rate among interior linemen, and the entire unit is known for its aggressive, penetrating style. They held Baltimore Ravens star running back Derrick Henry to just 23 yards on 11 carries in their last outing, showcasing their ability to shut down even the most elite rushing attacks.
For the Green Bay Packers to have success on offense, they will need to neutralize this dominant front. Having their best five offensive linemen on the field is the first and most important step in achieving that goal. The health of Tom and Banks will be the story to watch throughout the week, as their presence on Sunday could be the difference between moving to 3-0 and suffering their first loss of the season.
