Packers reportedly turn to Laken Tomlinson as line injuries mount

Green Bay is moving to add veteran guard Laken Tomlinson from the Cowboys' practice squad, according to NFL Network's Saturday report. The Packers have not yet announced a completed signing or a role for him. That distinction matters: the reported move points to an offensive-line problem, while the club's next transaction notice will establish when he joins the active roster.

Tomlinson, 34, is in his 12th NFL season and has made 162 starts, according to the league report. Dallas carried him on its practice squad after losing guard Tyler Smith to injured reserve. A Cowboys team report described Tomlinson as veteran depth behind the replacements already on Dallas' active roster. Signing a player from another club's practice squad would give Green Bay a 53-man option, but it would also remove a contingency from the Cowboys' depth chart if the transaction is finalized.

The need in Green Bay is easy to identify. Left guard Aaron Banks and tackle Zach Bako-Bewele were both ruled out against Atlanta after injuries in the Jets game. The Packers lost 35-14 on Thursday. In its postgame analysis, the team said its reshuffled line had not played to its usual standard. Tomlinson would add a proven guard while Banks recovers, but no coach has said he will start or specified how the five-man group would change.

There is a useful connection inside the room. Banks and Tomlinson were teammates with San Francisco in 2021, when Tomlinson earned a Pro Bowl selection; Packers.com profiled that overlap before the season. It does not shorten the work of learning Green Bay's calls, but it gives the incoming guard a familiar veteran relationship if the deal closes.

For RSO roster managers, the report is a prompt to watch Green Bay's official transaction and the next practice week, not to assume an immediate improvement in Jordan Love's protection or the rushing game. The Thursday loss exposed a real personnel squeeze. Tomlinson's reported arrival could improve the options; the club still has to confirm the signing and decide whether he plays.