The Green Bay Packers are not expecting injured centers Sean Rhyan and Jacob Monk to play on a short week against the Carolina Panthers in Week 8, suggesting third-string option John Williams -- who entered the game in the first quarter of Sunday' 20-17 loss to the Detroit Lions -- will be in line to start on Thursday night at Lambeau Field.
Rhyan left during the first drive of the game after Josh Jacobs fell into the back of his legs. He exited with an ankle injury and did not return. Monk replaced him at center but soon after suffered either a new injury to his quad or re-injury of an injury that kept him out multiple games in the last month.
Coach Matt LaFleur didn't know if either injury was of long-term concern, but he did not think Rhyan
and Monk would play against the Panthers.
"I wouldn't anticipate them (playing) this week. As far as long term, I couldn't tell you," LaFleur said.
Williams, a 2025 seventh-round pick, entered the game to start the offense's second drive and played the rest of the game. It was rarely perfect but also never a disaster for Williams, a collegiate left tackle who was playing the first snaps at any offensive line position of his NFL career.
"I can't say enough about the job John Williams did, coming in in a hostile environment, handling the operation, the communication. To lose two guys at center that quickly in the game was a little terrifying, but I thought he did a really good job," LaFleur said.
Williams repped mostly at left tackle during training camp and is likely the team's backup left tackle, but LaFleur said the Packers have given him more reps at center as part of the team's typical cross-training development procedures.
"He's so intelligent. He's got great command. Understands all the calls. I commend him for the job he did, stepping in in a tough situation," LaFleur said.
Rhyan tried to work through the injury on the sideline but was eventually ruled out to start the second half. The TV broadcast showed Monk's frustration as trainers evaluated his injured leg.
Packers Wire will provide updates when more information is available on the injuries to Rhyan and Monk.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers expecting to be without injured centers Sean Rhyan, Jacob Monk vs. Panthers
