GREEN BAY — Kevin Zeitler didn’t come home to ride the bench, of course. And the Green Bay Packers didn’t sign the in-state native and former University of Wisconsin all-American for him not to play, either. 

But with the previously horrendous offensive line having stabilized to at least some degree with 2024 sixth-round draft pick Travis Glover playing solid football at right guard, head coach Matt LaFleur and offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich haven’t felt the need to rush the 36-year-old 15-year NFL veteran into the starting lineup.

There were no indications during the week that Zeitler, who has only seen 11 snaps action on the field-goal protection unit since signing on Sept. 30 with the team he grew up rooting for, will take over for Glover at right guard in Sunday’s crucial NFC North battle between the Packers (4-2) and Detroit Lions (3-2) at Ford Field in Detroit.

And while Stenavich indicated the coaches are open to perhaps rotating Zeitler in on offense for a series or two, Zeitler said he understands the Packers’ approach with him — they are 3-0 since signing him, after all — and will be ready whenever that call comes.

“Hey, it’s just part of it,” Zeitler said of waiting for his opportunity. “It’s a big shoutout to ‘Glove’ doing a great job out there, as well as the [entire] group getting into a groove.

“Right now, the only thing that matters is winning. And right now, they’re getting the job done. It’s a blessing. It obviously gives me time to keep learning the offense, keep getting back in the swing of things and I’ll be ready when I’m called upon, whenever that is.”

Zeitler, who played for the Cincinnati Bengals (five seasons), Baltimore Ravens (three), Cleveland Browns (two), New York Giants (two) and one each with the Lions and Tennessee Titans, wasn’t on a roster during the offseason or training camp, so the Packers have taken a cautious approach with him.

“I think he looked better last week. Obviously, he dressed for the game so we were prepared to put him in if we needed him,” Stenavich said. “For our O-line’s sake, we’ve played better the last few weeks. So we’re not going to change just to change, but we want to put the best five guys out there that we think gives us the best chance to win.

“We’re just going to keep evaluating it as the week goes on.”

Asked if there’d be any value in rotating Zeitler in for a series or two since he didn’t have any training-camp or preseason work, Stenavich replied, “There certainly could be. We’ve discussed that. Again, we’ll kind of see how it unfolds.”

Zeitler, who started 16 regular-season games for the Lions in 2024, said he has used the past few weeks as his version of a truncated training camp, finding value even in snaps with the scout team at times.

“The key is finding your way to making it a training camp. Right now, obviously, when you’re in-season, reps are at a premium for the guys that are out there,” Zeitler explained. “For me, it’s about finding ways to get mental reps, it’s tons of extra film on my own, making flashcards and trying to ingrain the whole system into my system as fast as I can. You just find ways to get it done.

“Right now, the team is doing some really good things, and I’m very happy for them. We need to win. That is the No. 1 thing in this league. Winning is what matters. I’ll take the time and, whenever I’m called upon, I’ll be ready.”

To his credit, LaFleur said, Zeitler has also found other ways to help out, including giving any pointers he can to younger teammates who lack the wealth of experience he has.

“I love the guy,” LaFleur said. “He comes in, he is wired the right way in terms of just his preparation level, his effort out there on the grass, being a great teammate, being supportive, helping the other guys. He’s everything you want in a player.”

The feeling is mutual.

“Everyone here’s been amazing,” Zeitler said. “It’s been really cool to be a part of this organization. I love watching the way the guys work. The O-line group is an incredible group of guys, from vets to young guys. I am so pumped to be here.”

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