The Green Bay Packers’ five starting offensive linemen won’t be revealed before Sunday’s Week 1 battle against the Minnesota Vikings.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Monday that he’d keep the starters – particularly at right guard and right tackle – a secret leading into the season opener.
“I think you’ll have to wait to see on Sunday,” LaFleur said Monday.
The Packers have had Billy Turner and Lane Taylor competing at right guard and Turner and Rick Wagner competing at right tackle, but Turner is dealing with a knee injury and Wagner missed a big chunk of camp with an elbow injury, complicating the situation. LaFleur also didn’t rule out using left guard Elgton Jenkins at right tackle, which would require additional shuffling.
The Packers will provide the first official injury report of the 2020 season on Wednesday. The practice status and injury designation of Turner and Wagner could provide insight on who will be available for Week 1.
Regardless of who starts, the Packers know they’ll be challenged by the Vikings defense.
“We’re going to have a good challenge,” LaFleur said. “The Minnesota defense is phenomenal. I have a lot of respect for coach Zimmer. You just look at that defense, they have two premier edge rushers. Their linebacking corps is as good as anybody. They’re a little less experienced at the corner position but they’ve got two elite safeties. It’s going to be a great test for us Week 1.”
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Other highlights from LaFleur’s press conference:
– LaFleur is very confident in the secondary, highlighted by the two perimeter corners (Jaire Alexander, Kevin King), two safeties (Darnell Savage, Adrian Amos) and the nickel (Chandon Sullivan). “All in all, it’s a really competitive group.”
– LaFleur said the team is planning to adjust travel this year, leaving a little later for road games. Players and coaches won’t be able to leave the hotel on the road.
– LaFleur said receiver Malik Taylor had a “really strong offseason” and is “extremely talented.” Taylor won a roster spot as the fifth wide receiver. LaFleur credited Taylor’s experience in the offense as a big reason why he had such a great summer.
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