GREEN BAY, Wis. – Zach Tom, the standout right tackle for the Green Bay Packers, has had a challenging start to the season due to an oblique injury. He missed Week 2 and played minimally in Week 3, but after the bye week, he returned to action and played a significant role in the team’s victory against Cincinnati. Despite his impressive performance, Tom admitted he was far from feeling his best.
“I ain’t answering that. No way,” Tom responded when asked to quantify his pain on a scale of 1 to 10. Yet, he has since managed to continue playing every meaningful snap, showcasing his resilience even without full practice participation since Week 1.
Tom emphasized the importance of his ongoing treatment and management techniques that allow him to feel nearly 100 percent on game days. “I think we’re doing some things that are helping me manage it,” he said. “Just got to keep doing that, attacking the treatment and all that, so we can keep it up.”
According to Pro Football Focus, Tom ranks among the top offensive tackles in the league, as he is one of only four players who have not allowed a sack after over 300 pass-protecting snaps. This statistic highlights Tom’s skill and determination, but he maintains that health is not an excuse. “I just want to go out there and perform. Everybody’s dealing with something, so it’s never an excuse,” Tom stated resolutely.
Despite acknowledging that he can still improve his play, he has had another outstanding season following his impressive third-place finish in All-Pro voting last season. Tom recently signed a contract extension, solidifying his role as a vital component of the Packers’ offensive line. His exceptional performance has enabled the Packers to rank high in run-blocking as well.
Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich praised Tom’s consistent play and intelligence, noting that experienced players like him tend to refine their skills as they progress. “He’s having a great year, battling through some stuff, but like out there, just being a reliable player on the right side for us,” Stenavich commented.
As the Packers prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Denver Broncos, Tom faces a formidable challenge. The Broncos lead the NFL in sacks and are on track to break the single-season record. Tom will primarily contend with Jonathon Cooper, who had a standout season last year and is currently having another strong campaign.
“There are a lot of good edge rushers,” Tom acknowledged, emphasizing the need for focus, especially during road games. “The main thing is focusing on the snap count and getting off the ball on time because they do like to jump the count,” he added.
The entire offensive line is poised for action. The Packers have shown improvement during their current four-game winning streak, with a revitalized running game and a top-ranking in sack percentage allowed. However, Tom remains focused solely on the next opponent, reiterating the need to push forward and deliver a strong performance on game day.
“Yeah, we’re just taking it week to week. The only thing people care about is the next game,” he concluded, emphasizing the team’s commitment to continually striving for excellence on the field.