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With their offensive line in shambles, the Green Bay Packers made a move on Saturday, signing veteran guard Laken Tomlinson off the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad, according to ESPN’s Ian Rapoport.
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It’s not yet clear where and how Tomlinson fits on the Packers’ offensive line. But at this rate, any warm body might be an upgrade for this unit.
Tomlinson Brings Experience and Consistency the Packers Desperately Need
A first-round pick by the Detroit Lions in the 2015 NFL Draft, Tomlinson has started 162 games over 11 seasons. Over that time, he’s been extremely reliable, starting every game of the regular season seven times.
The 2021 season has probably been Tomlinson’s best. That year, he started all 17 games for the San Francisco 49ers, allowing 24 pressures, 15 hurries, seven QB hits, and just two sacks over 1,094 snaps, earning his one and only Pro Bowl selection.
Last season, the 34-year-old started seven games for the Houston Texans. He played 284 snaps overall, all at left guard, allowing 11 pressures, five hurries, three QB hits, and three sacks.
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Meanwhile, Tomlinson received a 55.4 pass-blocking grade and a 57.1 run-blocking grade, per Pro Football Focus. While that might not sound that great, they’re higher marks than several Packers’ o-linemen so far this season, including Donovan Jennings, Sean Rhyan, Anthony Belton, Jacob Monk, and rookie Jager Burton.
Where Does Tomlinson Fit?
Tomlinson hasn’t played a snap anywhere other than left guard since Week 11 of the 2016 season, when he was still with the Lions. So, logic says that’s probably the role he’ll play with the Packers.
Green Bay needs help at virtually every spot along the offensive line, but especially at left guard. Aaron Banks, in the second year of a four-year, $77 million contract, has played just 22 snaps for the Packers this season, and missed most of training camp with knee tendinitis. After sitting out Week 1, he started the following game against the New York Jets but left the game early with a toe injury before being ruled out for Week 3.
For right now at least, it seems Tomlinson will play where he’s needed most, filling in for Banks. However, a player with his experience is definitely capable of playing the right side, which has its own issues.
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This story was originally published September 26, 2026 at 12:05 PM.