Packers optimistic that offensive tackle Zach Tom will return for
wild-card game at Bears
[January 07, 2026]
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Green Bay right tackle Zach Tom could be
available for the Packers' playoff opener after missing their final
three regular-season games with a knee injury.
Coach Matt LaFleur said Tuesday he anticipates Tom will play Saturday
night when the Packers (9-7-1) visit the Chicago Bears (11-6) in an NFC
wild-card playoff game. |
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt Lafleur watches from the sideline
during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota
Vikings, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ross D.
Franklin) |
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Tom hasn’t played since hurting his knee in the second quarter
of a 34-26 loss at Denver that started the Packers’ four-game
skid to close their regular season. Green Bay’s injury report
Tuesday indicated Tom worked out on a limited basis.
“I would expect it,” LaFleur said Tuesday about the likelihood
of Tom playing on Saturday.
Tom has started 51 games over four seasons since the Packers
selected him out of Wake Forest in the fourth round of the 2022
draft.
Tom’s return could stabilize an offensive line that already is
without center Elgton Jenkins, who is on injured reserve and
hasn’t played since hurting his ankle on Nov. 10.
“I think that would be a huge get,” LaFleur said. “He’s our most
consistent offensive lineman. He’s one of the best I think in
the league at his position. So that would definitely be a
boost.”
Also Tuesday, the Packers signed quarterback Desmond Ridder to
their active roster from their practice squad and released
Clayton Tune, who had gone 6 of 11 for 34 yards while leading an
offense consisting mainly of reserves in a 16-3 loss at
Minnesota on Sunday.
Jordan Love will be Green Bay’s starting quarterback Saturday as
he plays for the first time since absorbing a helmet-to-helmet
hit in the second quarter of the Packers’ 22-16 overtime loss at
Chicago on Dec. 20. LaFleur said he anticipates Malik Willis
being ready in a backup role for Saturday’s game.
Willis had been inactive for the Vikings game Sunday as he dealt
with injuries to his hamstring and shoulder.
Other roster moves the Packers made included signing wide
receivers Julian Hicks and Kisean Johnson and tight end Messiah
Swinson to their practice squad.
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