Green Bay Packers offensive line veteran Laken Tomlinson is tackling a historic career pivot after the team’s surprising Week 8 lineup decision. For the first time in his 12-year NFL career, Tomlinson started at right guard, a position where he has previously appeared in only one game. The unexpected move forced the veteran to quickly adapt to new blocking schemes and spatial awareness, marking a significant departure from his established role on the interior line.
Veteran lineman navigates surprise shift to right guard despite condensed Week 8 prep.
The transition proved particularly difficult following the Packers’ Thursday night matchup, which severely limited practice time for the offensive unit. Tomlinson acknowledged the challenge, noting that the condensed schedule left little room for proper on-field adjustments. “I mean, it’s definitely a challenge, especially last week,” Tomlinson admitted, highlighting the difficulty of syncing with teammates without adequate rehearsal. The lack of preparation time created a steep learning curve as he attempted to flip his technique and footwork to suit the right side of the line.
However, the situation improved significantly with the arrival of a standard preparation week. Tomlinson utilized the extended window to refine his individual technique, focusing on the specific mechanical adjustments required for the new position. “This week, especially going into the long weekend, I had some extra time to kind of just like go over some stuff on my own,” he explained. By dedicating time to solo work and leveraging two full days of team practice, Tomlinson has established a stronger foundation, suggesting the Packers have found a workable solution for their offensive line depth.
Source: Yahoo Sports
