The Green Bay Packers had a major question mark at right guard dating as far back as training camp, and it took three disastrous regular season games before the team finally gave veteran Kevin Zeitler a call and a contract. So, why did the Packers wait so long to sign Zeitler?
An injury is the most likely reason.
According to Zeitler, he injured his quad in the regular season finale while with the Tennessee Titans last January, and the injury eventually required surgery. He said he still "loves ball" and never considered retirement but was instead recovering from the surgery.
"Retirement never crossed my mind for this year. Some other things in the offseason happened that made this happen now rather than earlier. It's all good. Ready to roll. Healthy.
Let's roll," Zeitler said.
Zeitler said he hyperextended his leg on Jan. 4 and eventually had surgery to repair the resulting injury.
"We finally decided to clean it up. It feels great right now, moving again," Zeitler said.
When asked directly, Zeitler confirmed the injury was a big reason why he didn't have a team deep into September of the regular season. He said he's been traveling the country for training and treatment to keep his body ready when an opportunity eventually arrived.
The Packers called Monday, and Zeitler was on the practice field Wednesday.
Zeitler had an excellent season with the Titans, but he went into the 2026 offseason at 36 years old and with a lower body injury needing surgery -- providing an explanation why no team, including the Packers, had signed him to a deal.
While not having a competent right guard might have cost the Packers a win during the first three weeks, Zeitler is now healthy, in Green Bay and ready to be the starter once he's up to speed and physically ready to go.
Given how poorly the offensive line has played through three weeks, the simple act of upgrading from Jacob Monk to Zeitler could be worth a win or two over the final 14 games for the Packers.
"Love ball. Love being here. Ready to help out however I can, and I want to get it done."
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Why didn't the Packers sign veteran G Kevin Zeitler sooner?
