Green Bay
Packers

The Green Bay Packers face a critical juncture as they prepare to host the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday Night Football, with their offensive line decimated by injuries. The already shaky unit sustained another blow with the news that starting right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele is out for the season after fully tearing his patellar tendon against the New York Jets. This is a devastating setback for Bako-Bewele, who is in the first year of a four-year, $88 million extension and faces a grueling 9-12 month recovery, with a historically low percentage of athletes returning to their previous performance level. Filling the void at right tackle will be 2025 second-round pick Anthony Belton. However, Belton himself is now limited in practice with an elbow injury, adding another layer of concern. The Packers' offensive line depth has been severely tested, with left guard Aaron Banks also listed as a non-participant due to knee and toe issues. In total, four of the team's top seven offensive linemen are dealing with injuries, leaving the unit in a precarious state just two days before kickoff. Adding to the injury woes, rookie wide receiver Jayden Reed is undergoing further testing for a neck injury sustained on the opening play of the Jets game. Head Coach Matt LaFleur stated it's "too soon to know" if Reed will play again this season, casting significant doubt on his availability for the remainder of 2026 and beyond. Reed is currently listed as a non-participant in practice. On a peculiar note, rookie cornerback Brandon Cisse, despite having his wisdom teeth removed earlier this week, expects to play. While Cisse is confident, the rapid recovery time from such a procedure raises eyebrows, and his status will be closely monitored. Despite the mounting injury concerns, a recent fan survey indicated that the Packers' comeback win over the Jets, their first in over nine months, did provide a boost in confidence. However, the long-term implications of Bako-Bewele's season-ending injury and Reed's uncertain future loom large. Meanwhile, the Falcons will be without their Pro Bowl cornerback A.J. Terrell, who has been placed on injured reserve with a groin injury, a small silver lining for Green Bay's beleaguered offense.