The Green Bay Packers did not make a trade before Tuesday's deadline, but help is still on the way for Matt LaFleur's team.
In fact, the Packers could return key players in all three phases during the next two weeks.
A trade didn't help the offensive line, but Kevin Zeitler got his first snaps at right guard last week, and he could be the new starter there in Week 10. Aaron Banks is dealing with knee tendonitis and a new groin injury, so Laken Tomlinson and Zeitler are the most likely starters for Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. The run game actually showed signs of life with Tomlinson and Zeitler on the field last week in New England. And Sean Rhyan's return is on the horizon, too. He wasn't placed on injured reserve, so it's likely the Packers
think he can return on Nov. 25 against the Rams.
A trade didn't bring a new running back, but Chris Brooks is expected to come off injured reserve this week. Just in time, too. He's the Packers' best pass protecting running back, and Brian Flores and the blitz-crazy Minnesota Vikings are up next. The return of Brooks and the potential breakout of Kaleb Johnson -- who rushed for 68 yards and a touchdown last week -- could be enough to keep the run game and the running back position overall moving in the right direction, even with Josh Jacobs expected to miss multiple games.
What about the defense and special teams?
The return game could get back Skyy Moore, who has missed four games with an ankle injury and is eligible to come off injured reserve this week. He was excellent as a punt and kickoff returner to start the season and could even play snaps in the slot if needed.
The defense, meanwhile, is two weeks away from getting back All-Pro Micah Parsons. He will need time to get back his All-Pro self, but no team is adding a more impactful player down the stretch of the 2026 season. Add Parsons to a defense that is already ultra aggressive and creating takeaways and the Packers could really cement themselves as one of the best defenses in the NFL.
Adding a healthy veteran at running back or along the offensive or defensive lines could have helped the Packers. No argument there. But the player and price had to be right, and the Packers didn't find a fit. But the Packers of today won't be the Packers of tomorrow. Key players are returning. The offensive line could finally settle into a capable starting five, the defense will get back a game-wrecker and the special teams will get back a weapon.
Tuesday's trade deadline was underwhelming in Green Bay, but help is on the way for a team that has won five of the last six games.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers didn't make trade at the deadline, but help is coming
