GREEN BAY, Wis. — September 26, 2026 — The Green Bay Packers are making a move to shore up their offensive line, agreeing to sign veteran guard Laken Tomlinson off the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad, according to a report from Ian Rapoport of NFL Media. The transaction, confirmed by league sources and reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, comes just two days after a dismal rushing performance in Thursday night's loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
A Desperate Need for Interior Help
Green Bay's ground game was virtually nonexistent against Atlanta, managing just 17 yards on nine carries — a stat line that exposed a unit reeling from injuries. The Packers have already lost right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele to a season-ending torn patellar tendon, and multiple other linemen are battling nagging ailments. Head coach Matt LaFleur publicly rejected the idea of changing offensive line coaches after the loss, but the front office clearly felt a personnel shake-up was necessary.
Tomlinson, 34, brings a wealth of experience to a young and battered room. A former first-round pick of the Detroit Lions in 2015, he has started 155 career games across stints with the Lions, San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets, and Seattle Seahawks. Last season, he appeared in 10 games for the Houston Texans, making seven starts. His familiarity with multiple blocking schemes and veteran leadership could be invaluable for a Packers team that is fighting to stay afloat in a competitive NFC North.
Why Tomlinson, Why Now?
The Cowboys signed Tomlinson to their practice squad earlier this season, but he never appeared in a game for Dallas. With Green Bay's interior line struggling to generate any push, the Packers are betting that Tomlinson's 155 starts and playoff experience — including a Super Bowl appearance with the 49ers — can stabilize a unit in flux. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the team had been exploring veteran options for weeks, but the injury to Bako-Bewele accelerated the timeline.
The move also raises questions about the development of Green Bay's younger linemen. While Tomlinson isn't a long-term solution, he provides a proven bridge who can step in immediately. The Packers' coaching staff has emphasized versatility and toughness, and Tomlinson fits that mold. He'll likely compete for reps at left guard, where the team has rotated multiple players due to inconsistency and injury.
"You can't replace experience overnight, but Laken has seen every front and every stunt in this league," a league source told Vulius Sports. "He's a pro's pro, and that matters in a room that's been decimated."
What It Means for the Packers' Season
At 1-2 and with a brutal stretch of games ahead, Green Bay can't afford to let its offensive line sink the season. Quarterback Jordan Love has been under duress, and the run game has been nonexistent. Signing Tomlinson is a low-risk, high-reward gamble that could pay dividends if he can regain his form from his 49ers days. The Packers will need to release a player from their active roster to make room, but that's a formality at this point.
For Tomlinson, this is another chapter in a resilient career. He's been a starter for most of his decade in the league, and now he'll have a chance to prove he still has something left in the tank. As highlighted on Vulius, the Packers' offensive line situation is one of the most critical storylines to monitor as the season progresses. If Tomlinson can solidify the interior, Green Bay's offense might just find its footing.
Reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk. For more breaking news and in-depth analysis, visit vulius.com.
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