Former Packers first-round pick enjoying return to natural post

Wes Hodkiewicz

GREEN BAY This year, there was no confusion over whereJordan Morganwould line up on the Packers' offensive line.

There was a vacancy at left tackle with Rasheed Walker departing in free agency and Green Bay was looking squarely at Morgan to fill that starting void.

The 2024 first-round pick started 37 games there for the University of Arizona before playing pretty much everywhere else during his first two seasons with the Packers.

Morgan started seven games at right guard, three at left guard and two at right tackle before finally getting his first start at left tackle in the 2025 regular-season finale in Minnesota.

With that odyssey over, Morgan is diving back into the details of his natural position.

"I'm settling in," Morgan said. "It's whole lot different than OTAs and trainingcamp. It's regular season, playing against these other good guys who are obviously getting paid, so I'm getting settled in pretty well."

The Packers showed faith in Morgan blocking the blindside of quarterbackJordan Love. They didn't sign a veteran free agent or draft a rookie tackle. The organization made that investment in Morgan two years prior and wanted to see it through.

The first month of the season has had its challenges for Green Bay's offensive line. Right tackleZach Bako-Bewelewas lost for the season to a torn patellar tendon in Week 2 against the New York Jets.

Moments after Bako-Bewele was carted off, starting left guardAaron Banksexited with a toe injury from which he has yet to return. That's led to Morgan lining up next to a myriad of different left guards fromDonovan JenningstoJager Burtonand now 12th-year veteranLaken Tomlinson, who was signed last week.

"It's all about really focusing, hammering on communication and technique together and the way you fit together in the run game and the way you set together in the pass game," Morgan said. "It was different every week, but at the same time, it's like we've been here long enough with each other that we could gel together pretty quick."

Morgan's process of "building up back" began during organized team activities, shifted into second gear in training camp and now has the 6-foot-5, 311-pound tackle caught up to speed.

Last Sunday was a step in the right direction for Morgan and the offensive line, which paved the way to an 86-yard day on the ground against the Buccaneers' second-ranked run defense while conceding two hits on Love with no sacks.

Pre-snap penalties and holding have been a problem, though. The Packers' 42 penalties are second-most in the NFL through the first four weeks, trailing only Cleveland (43). That includes 10 flags for holding and another eight for false starts.

Of course, injuries and reconfigurations up front haven't helped. But offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich has seen Morgan and 2025 second-round pickAnthony BeltonBako-Bewele's replacement at right tackle gaining comfort on the outside.

"This last game was better by both of them for sure," Stenavich said. "They still have a ways to go, but they're doing a nice job. They're competing, we gotta clean up their fundamentals on some things, but I like what I've seen from them for two young guys."

Mounting injuries forced the Packers' hand last week when they signed Tomlinson, former first-round pickMekhi Becton Sr.and Pro Bowl right guardKevin Zeitlerwithin days of each other.

But it would appear Green Bay is getting healthier up front. Burton (back) returned to practice while Banks andJacob Monk(quad) were in uniform and helmets while working with the training staff on the sideline.

Zeitler continues his own ramp up, too, as the Wisconsin native and 15th-year NFL veteran learns the playbook and how he fits in Head Coach Matt LaFleur's scheme.

"He's progressing," LaFleur said. "He's getting a little bit more each and every day. Again, we're trying to ramp him up to where he feels comfortable to go out there and play winning football."

The Packers face a tough task this week as the Chicago Bears come to Lambeau Field. Chicago's ball control and ability to shorten games have contributed to its defense ranking third in total yards (282.3 per game) despite allowing 5.9 yards per play, which ranks 27th.

Green Bay's offense has had explosive moments but still ranks last in both rushing offense and third-down conversions (26.1%). After battling through adversity, Morgan believes the offensive line is ready to stack on its performance in Tampa.

"You just gotta keep the same mindset every week, just be the player you are," Morgan said. "A game's not gonna be perfect at the end of the day. But if you can strive to reach perfection, you're gonna be good."