The Packers signed guard Kevin Zeitler on September 30, adding a third experienced lineman after the arrivals of Laken Tomlinson and Mekhi Becton earlier in the week. The signing is confirmed; the contract’s length and financial terms remain unconfirmed.
What Zeitler adds to Green Bay’s line
Zeitler brings 213 regular-season starts and seven postseason starts. Tomlinson has 162 regular-season starts and Becton has 59, giving the three additions a combined 434 regular-season starts. That total measures experience, not a guarantee of improved protection.
The positions matter as much as the total. Zeitler plays right guard, Tomlinson’s customary position is left guard, and Becton is a converted tackle who is currently on the practice squad. Those distinctions give Green Bay different options rather than three interchangeable additions.
The starting-lineup question entering the week
As of September 30, it remained unclear whether any of the three would be ready to start Sunday’s game at Tampa Bay. Zeitler and Becton had been without a team until this week; Tomlinson arrived from Dallas’ practice squad. Green Bay still has to integrate the newcomers and assess their readiness.
October 2 update: both starting guards ruled out
Green Bay ruled out Aaron Banks and Jacob Monk for the October 4 game at Tampa Bay. Kevin Zeitler, Laken Tomlinson and practice-squad lineman Mekhi Becton all practiced fully during the week. Matt LaFleur said Friday that the team had a plan but still needed to finalize its decisions. That leaves a clearer need at guard without confirming which newcomers will start or whether Becton will be elevated.
Zeitler’s first practice offers a next step
In an October 1 update, Zeitler said he felt comfortable with Green Bay’s terminology after his first day and was willing to play against Tampa Bay if needed. Matt LaFleur said the club had a plan to bring the new veterans up to speed. Neither statement confirmed a Sunday start.
Zeitler had started 16 games for Tennessee in 2025 before a quad injury and leg hyperextension required offseason cleanup. He said he had continued training in Nashville while waiting for another opportunity. That background helps explain the gap before this signing without treating time away from a roster as proof of game readiness.
The line changes also come as the offense prepares to play without Jayden Reed, whose season has ended with a neck injury requiring surgery.
Prepared with AI assistance. WHYNFL is responsible for this article.
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