NFL

Green Bay Packers Suffer Major Blow as Zach Bako-Bewele Ruled Out for Season

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Sep 23, 2026, 01:38 IST

The Green Bay Packers have confirmed that star right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele will miss the remainder of the season following a complete patellar tendon tear sustained during their recent victory over the New York Jets.

Green Bay Packers Suffer Major Blow as Zach Bako-Bewele Ruled Out for Season

The Green Bay Packers are facing a significant personnel crisis after confirming that starting right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele will miss the remainder of the season. The offensive lineman, widely regarded as the team's top performer in the trenches, sustained a complete tear of his right patellar tendon during Sunday's overtime win against the New York Jets.

This injury marks the second consecutive season that Bako-Bewele’s campaign has been cut short by the same knee. While he managed a partial tear in Week 15 last year, the severity of this latest setback requires a complex surgical procedure scheduled for Thursday. Medical projections indicate a recovery timeline of eight to 10 months for the 2022 fourth-round draft pick, who signed a four-year, $88 million contract extension earlier in 2025.

Offensive Line Depth Tested Amid Mounting Injuries

The loss of Bako-Bewele compounds an already difficult situation for the Packers' offensive line, which saw multiple players exit Sunday’s contest. The team finished the game without left guard Aaron Banks, who is dealing with toe and knee issues, and his replacement, Donovan Jennings, who suffered a hand injury. By the end of the matchup, rookie Jager Burton was the final available lineman, with the coaching staff even preparing tight end Tucker Kraft to step into a blocking role when right guard Jacob Monk was evaluated for a stinger.

Looking ahead, second-year professional Anthony Belton is expected to step into the starting right tackle role for Thursday’s upcoming game against the Atlanta Falcons. The team will need to stabilize their protection unit quickly, as they currently rank last in the league with an average of 64.5 rushing yards per game and 29th in yards per carry at 3.3.

Beyond the offensive line, the team is monitoring the status of receiver Jayden Reed. Initially reported with a neck injury, it has been clarified that Reed is dealing with a back injury. He remained in New Jersey for observation following the game before returning to Green Bay on Monday, and his availability for future games remains uncertain.