The 2025 Green Bay Packers went 1-6-1 in games where Zach Tom either missed the game or left early with an injury. While football is the ultimate team sport, that record highlights his importance to the roster. Jordan Love‘s average depth of target also fell from 9.92 yards with Tom in the lineup to 8.22 yards when he wasn’t, another sign of the stability Tom provides to the offense.
When the 2022 fourth-round pick was on the field, Green Bay’s pressure rate allowed fell from 31.4% to 26.4%, its rushing success rate climbed from 43.4% to 48.2%, and the offense improved significantly, with its DVOA rising from -3.7% to 24.9%.
Tom’s growth as a run blocker has been just as impressive as his pass protection. He earned a 55.7 run-blocking grade as a rookie in 2022, but has since produced three consecutive seasons with a grade above 81.0, developing into one of the NFL’s top offensive tackles in both zone and gap blocking schemes by 2025. That steady progression is a major reason Matt LaFleur has consistently emphasized Tom’s importance to Green Bay’s offense.
“He’s our most consistent offensive lineman,” LaFleur said last year. “He’s one of the best in the league at his position.”
Unfortunately for the Packers, Tom’s season came to an early end after he suffered a partial patellar tendon tear against the Denver Broncos. The injury kept him sidelined for the rest of the year. Without their best offensive lineman, the shortcomings up front became much more apparent, making Tom’s return one of the biggest factors that could elevate the offense in 2026.
“Really proud of Zach and how hard he fought to get out there and play with what he was dealing with,” Brian Gutekunst said regarding Tom in February. “He’s gonna be on the shelf here for a little while during the offseason, but I wouldn’t really expect it to impact his 2026 season.”
The Packers should have Zach Tom available for the start of the 2026 season, although his recovery could limit his involvement in parts of the summer offseason program. With Rasheed Walker departing in free agency for the Carolina Panthers, Green Bay needed a new answer at left tackle. Green Bay appears ready to turn to Jordan Morgan, who stepped in at right tackle after Tom’s injury, while allowing Tom to return to his natural spot on the right side.
That alignment could provide a much-needed boost for the offensive line. With Morgan taking on a new challenge and several other positions still carrying questions, having a healthy Tom back as the anchor gives Green Bay the stability it has been missing. For a unit that struggled throughout 2025, restoring an All-Pro-caliber presence at right tackle could be the foundation for a much better season.
Still, Green Bay cannot expect Tom’s return alone to fix every issue along the offensive line. Aaron Banks will need to play at a higher level, while Sean Rhyan and Jordan Morgan must prove they can adapt to their new positions. There are plenty of unknowns heading into 2026, but one thing is clear: Having Zach Tom back in the lineup will make things easier for everyone around him.
