Green Bay Packers guard reveals how he’s adjusting to new role in the offensive line

The Green Bay Packers made an unexpected lineup decision in Week 8, assigning Laken Tomlinson to right guard despite the veteran having started at that position just once during his 12-year NFL career.Tomlinson said he is adjusting well to the new position, although the switch proved more challenging last week because of the condensed schedule and limited practice opportunities.“I mean, it’s definitely a challenge, especially last week,” Tomlinson shared.Green Bay’s Thursday night game in Week 8 left little room for a proper practice session, forcing Tomlinson to adjust to right guard with limited work alongside his teammates. This week’s longer preparation window, however, gives him more time to get comfortable on the right side of the offensive line.Laken Tomlinson with the Green Bay PackersDec 8, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks guard Laken Tomlinson (70) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images“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. Work on my technique and just work on flipping things technique-wise, and having these two days of practice. So definitely a lot more comfortable now,” the Packers veteran remarked.Tomlinson has logged 11,131 career snaps at left guard, compared with just 131 at right guard following his Week 8 start. Despite his limited experience on the opposite side, the Packers’ coaching staff felt his performance was too strong to take him out of the lineup.Aug 5, 2022; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Tipa Galeai (40), linebacker Rashan Gary (52), defensive lineman Kenny Clark (97), defensive lineman Chris Slayton (60), linebacker La’Darius Hamilton (54) and cornerback Kabion Ento (48) participate in drills at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Samantha Madar/Green Bay Press Gazette -USA TODAY NETWORKWith starting left guard Aaron Banks back in the lineup, Green Bay had no room to keep Tomlinson on that side of the offensive line. Instead, the Packers moved him to right guard to keep his strong play in the starting lineup.Although the benefits of the move have yet to become clear, there is reason for optimism as the season progresses. The Packers will get their next opportunity to build momentum when they travel to New England for their Week 9 matchup against the Patriots.More Packers news from Wisconsin Sports HeroicsOct 29, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn ImagesEvan Williams’ historic October earns him NFC Defensive Player of the Month honorsPackers’ Matt LaFleur reacts to Jordan Love’s Halloween costumePackers get encouraging Micah Parsons injury update after second straight practice