The beleaguered offensive line of the Green Bay Packers is adding some veteran help. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Packers are signing veteran guard Laken Tomlinson off the practice squad of the Dallas Cowboys.
Tomlinson, a first-round pick of the Detroit Lions in the 2015 draft, has started 162 career games and played over 10,000 career snaps over 11 NFL seasons. The 34-year-old was a seven-game starter for the Houston Texans last season but was released in December. He's been with the Cowboys practice squad since the first week of the 2026 regular season.
According to Pro Football Focus, Tomlinson has played 99 percent of his career snaps at left guard, where Aaron Banks -- who is dealing with a toe injury and could miss more
time -- is the preferred starter. Tomlinson previously played for the San Francisco 49ers (2017-2021), so his experience in Kyle Shanahan's system should provide an easy fit into Matt LaFleur's offense.
The Packers are desperate for help along the offensive line, hence the move to add a 34-year-old player from another team's practice squad. Because Tomlinson was signed off a practice squad, he will need to spend at least the next three weeks on the Packers' 53-man roster.
It's possible the Packers will clear a roster spot for Tomlinson's addition by placing right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele, who suffered a season-ending patellar tendon tear, on injured reserve.
Breakdown: The Packers have played a historically poor brand of football along the offensive line through three games. Two preferred starters are injured, including left guard Aaron Banks, and Jacob Monk, Donovan Jennings and Jager Burton have all struggled mightily at guard to start the 2026 season. An addition had to be made. And it's possible signing Tomlinson won't be the only one. The Packers also have former Cincinnati Bengals draft pick Cordell Volson on the practice squad, so Matt LaFleur's team will have some options at guard coming out of this mini-bye. A season teetering on the edge can only be stabilized if the offensive line begins operating at a semi-competent level. Can Tomlinson provide even the slightest improvement at left or right guard?
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers signing veteran OL Laken Tomlinson off Cowboys practice squad
