The Green Bay Packers’ first-round pick, Jordan Morgan, faced a challenging rookie season, compounded by recurring shoulder issues and a position switch from left tackle to right guard. Despite his potential, these setbacks ultimately led to his placement on injured reserve, sidelining him for the remainder of the year.
A Tough Transition
Adjusting to the NFL is already a significant leap for any player, but Morgan faced the added complexity of moving from tackle to guard and shifting from the left to the right side of the offensive line. Without consistent playing time, his development was hampered.
Morgan missed three games early in the season due to his shoulder injury, returned for four games, and then aggravated the issue, leading to the Packers’ decision to shut him down for the season.
LaFleur Confirms the Decision
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed the news on the Matt LaFleur Show, stating that Morgan would miss the rest of the season. LaFleur emphasized that addressing the injury now is the best course of action, allowing Morgan to fully recover in time for the offseason program.
“It’s tough, but the priority is his health,” LaFleur said. “We want him back at 100 percent so he can contribute next year.”
Rookie Year Performance
Morgan played in six games, with one start necessitated by an injury to Josh Myers in Week 9. While he didn’t win the starting right guard job over Sean Rhyan, Morgan flashed his potential.
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Morgan allowed seven pressures but didn’t give up any sacks. His standout moment came on a key block that led to a Josh Jacobs touchdown against the Chicago Bears. However, his overall performance was inconsistent, reflecting the typical growing pains of a rookie transitioning positions.
The Packers’ Offensive Line Situation
The Packers’ offensive line remains solid, with Elgton Jenkins at left guard, Rasheed Walker at left tackle, and Zach Tom at right tackle. Sean Rhyan has performed well at right guard, leaving few openings for Morgan to break into the starting lineup.
With Josh Myers set to hit free agency, the Packers could explore moving Jenkins to center in 2025, potentially paving the way for Morgan to compete for the left guard position. General manager Brian Gutekunst has also noted Morgan’s ability to play tackle, giving the Packers additional flexibility.
Looking Ahead
Morgan’s priority now is recovery. While his rookie season didn’t go as planned, the flashes of talent he showed suggest he could be a valuable piece for the Packers moving forward. His first-round potential remains intact, and with a full offseason to rehab and refine his game, he could emerge as a key contributor in 2025.
The Packers’ depth on the offensive line is a good problem to have. Teams across the league struggle to find capable starters, and Green Bay has the luxury of developing Morgan without rushing him back into action.
For now, the focus is on ensuring Morgan gets healthy, allowing him to maximize his potential and become a long-term asset for the Packers.
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