The NFL season has only just kicked off, but injuries are already hitting teams hard. The Green Bay Packers find themselves in that situation as they prepare for Week 2 with uncertainty surrounding offensive tackle Zach Tom. He suffered an oblique injury in the aftermath of Green Bay’s 27-14 statement victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
The Packers count on Tom to protect quarterback Jordan Love and give him the space to operate. Love rewarded that trust against the Lions, completing 16 of 22 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns without an interception.
Green Bay Packers guard Zach Tom (50) is shown Tuesday, August 16, 2022 during training camp in Green Bay, Wis. It was the first of two days of joint practices for the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints.
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Green Bay may need to prepare for the chance that Tom will not be ready for Thursday night’s matchup with the Washington Commanders. Rob Demovsky of ESPN reported that the team is still waiting on the results of today’s tests and monitoring how he responds to treatment.
At this point, I'm told there's uncertainty about Zach Tom's availability for Thursday night. They’re awaiting more information from today's tests and seeing how he responds to treatment. https://t.co/JjZkBq8L70
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) September 8, 2025
Zach Tom with the Packers
Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Zach Tom (50) is shown during the fourth quarter of their preseason game Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Green Bay Packers beat the Seattle Seahawks 20-7.
The 26-year-old anchors the Packers’ offensive line, a role the team reinforced by giving him a four-year, $92 million extension this past offseason. Over the last two seasons, he has been a picture of reliability, suiting up for all 17 games in both 2023 and 2024.
Tom went down with a hip injury in a freak sequence on Sunday when he tried to avoid colliding with Love on a broken play and hurt himself in the process. He left the game and Darian Kinnard took over in his spot. At the very least, Tom has two full days to recover before the Packers take the field again in their bid to start 2025 with a 2-0 record.
Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Zach Tom (50) runs through a drill during practice on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Since being drafted 140th overall in 2022, Tom has steadily grown into one of the league’s top protectors, giving the Packers steady play up front. He surrendered only three sacks last season and has been vital in creating the pocket that allows Love to work comfortably from the backfield.
The silver lining is that Tom’s injury does not appear to be more than a short-term setback, likely costing him no more than one game. Still, the Commanders’ defense poses a tough challenge, and the Packers may need Tom in the lineup to help Love perform at his best on Thursday.