The Green Bay Packers continued to address their battered offensive line Monday, signing veteran offensive lineman Mekhi Becton to the practice squad after a workout. The move came alongside the addition of veteran guard Laken Tomlinson to the active roster, giving Green Bay two experienced options as injuries mount across the front.
Becton’s addition to the practice squad gives the Packers time to evaluate him before deciding whether he fits into the lineup. He has played primarily left tackle and right guard during his NFL career, while Tomlinson has spent the overwhelming majority of his snaps at left guard.
Locked On Packers host Peter Bukowski viewed the transactions as more than depth moves. Bukowski argued that the need for veterans who can quickly handle assignments and technique reflects a larger problem with Green Bay’s offensive line operation.
His criticism centered on repeated assignment errors rather than ordinary one-on-one losses. Bukowski said the Packers have too often had blockers unsure of whom to pick up or unable to execute the basics of duo blocking, and he put responsibility on offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich, offensive line coach Luke Butkus and head coach Matt LaFleur.
The timing of the moves is telling. Tomlinson arrives from the Dallas Cowboys practice squad, and the 34-year-old brings 169 career starts, including extensive experience at left guard. Becton, 27, has started 59 of 61 career games and has experience at both tackle and guard, along with a Super Bowl ring.
For Green Bay, the immediate issue is less about finding an ideal long-term five than establishing a functional group that can protect quarterback Jordan Love consistently. Bukowski’s larger point was that the Packers do not need to become dominant up front overnight. They need cleaner assignments, better technique and enough stability to let the offense operate on schedule.
The Packers travel to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Tomlinson’s active-roster status makes him the more immediate option, while Becton gives Green Bay another veteran choice if the line’s injury and performance issues continue.
The question is whether those moves produce a more dependable line in time for Love and the offense to regain rhythm.
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