The Green Bay Packers are signing veteran guard Laken Tomlinson off the Dallas Cowboys practice squad to reinforce an offensive line battered by injuries and struggles through the first three weeks of the 2026 NFL season.
Green Bay is dipping into Dallas’ practice unit to address its beleaguered front line, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Because Tomlinson is arriving from another team’s practice squad, league rules require the Packers to sign him directly to their active 53-man roster for at least the next three weeks.
Laken Tomlinson’s NFL Journey and Scheme Experience
Tomlinson enters his 12th NFL season with an extensive resume. The Detroit Lions originally selected him in the first round (28th overall) of the 2015 draft. Over his career, he has logged over 10,000 offensive snaps and started 162 games across stints with the Lions, San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks, Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, and Cowboys.
Last season, Tomlinson started seven games for the Texans out of 10 appearances, though his past two stops in Baltimore and Dallas have involved practice squad stints. Pro Football Focus notes that Tomlinson has played 99 percent of his career snaps at left guard. His prior experience playing for the 49ers from 2017 to 2021 provides familiarity with Kyle Shanahan’s scheme, which should ease his transition into Matt LaFleur’s offensive system in Green Bay.
Injuries and Struggles on the Offensive Line
The roster move comes as Green Bay attempts to stabilize an offensive line hit hard by both poor execution and severe injuries. Right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele suffered a season-ending patellar tendon tear, and left guard Aaron Banks has been sidelined with knee and toe issues.
The strain showed vividly during a 35-14 home loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The Packers managed just 17 rushing yards on nine carries against Atlanta while surrendering one sack and 12 quarterback hits.
Matt LaFleur Addresses the Offense
While head coach Matt LaFleur dismissed the possibility of making a coaching change at offensive line following the loss to Atlanta, the front office clearly felt compelled to shake up the personnel. Jacob Monk, Donovan Jennings, and Jager Burton have all struggled to secure the guard spots in the early going.
I mean, there’s plenty of blame to go around. We’ve got to catch the ball better. Certainly there’s some throws I think J-Love would love to have back, just like there’s some play calls I’d love to have back. There’s enough blame to go around to everybody.
Matt LaFleur
Roster Management and Upcoming Challenges
To create a roster spot for Tomlinson on the 53-man active roster, the Packers are expected to place Zach Bako-Bewele on injured reserve. In addition to Tomlinson, Green Bay retains other depth options at guard, including former Cincinnati Bengals draft pick Cordell Volson on the practice squad.
The revamped offensive group will try to find its footing as the team prepares for a Week 4 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.