While on a short week, an injury to starting right guard Travis Glover could force the Green Bay Packers to finally give veteran Kevin Zeitler a chance to start along the offensive line on Thursday night against the Carolina Panthers.
Glover, who has started the last four games at right guard, is dealing with a knee injury and was estimated as a non-participant on Monday and a non-participant during Tuesday's walkthrough. After playing every snap against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Glover reported the knee injury after coming into the facility on Monday.
Coach Matt LaFleur wasn't willing to give away his plans if Glover can't play, but Zeitler, who signed with the Packers nearly a month ago, has to be an option.
Is he ready to go?
“If we need him,
absolutely. I feel confident with him,” LaFleur said.
Zeitler had surgery in the offseason and didn't get a training camp, so he required a ramp up period physically on top of learning a new offensive system. Since arriving in Green Bay, Zeitler has not played a single snap on offense, and he was inactive on Sunday in Detroit.
“I think he's done a nice job," LaFleur said. "Here's a guy that came in and didn't have an offseason, didn't have training camp, and he's kind of gradually working his way back into it.”
The Packers will release a final injury report with status designations on Wednesday. Expect to see Glover with one of the three designations: questionable, doubtful or out.
There are other options if Glover can't go. Veteran Mekhi Becton was signed from the practice squad on Monday. Aaron Banks is finally getting healthy. Donovan Jennings has started games at guard in 2026.
But it might be Zeiter's time.
"We knew it was going to be fluid. Any time you have a guy that's new to it, you have to let it happen naturally. When he's ready to roll, he'll be out there," LaFleur said.
It's possible that moment is finally arriving for Zeitler.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Will injury force Packers to finally start Kevin Zeitler?
