The Packers Have a Changing of the Guard

When the offense trotted out for its first series of the 2025 season, it was Sean Rhyan who got the nod as the starting right guard. Rhyan played the first series, but then it was Jordan Morgan who trotted out for the second series. Rhyan was back out for the third. The Packers were choosing to use a rotation at right guard, despite Morgan not playing much at the position during the preseason.

The rotation didn’t last very long, though. Injuries along the offensive line forced the Packers to change up their plan. Morgan moved from right guard to left guard partway through the game after Aaron Banks suffered an injury. Morgan played a lot of right guard over the next few weeks, and even some right tackle. He’s been all over the place. While Morgan has been a chess piece, Rhyan has been a steady presence at right guard. But that all changed again versus the Bengals.

Rotating positions on the offensive line isn’t new for the Packers. It’s something they’ve done quite a bit over the last handful of seasons. Last season, Rhyan and Morgan participated in a rotation at right guard until Jordan Morgan went down with a season-ending injury. When Morgan was healthy last season, the snap distribution was 217-120 in favor of Rhyan. Now that’s starting to change.

The Times They Are a-Changin’

This past Sunday, the Packers had a fully healthy offensive line for the first time since Week 1. The Packers went back to rotating Rhyan and Morgan at right guard, except this time, it wasn’t an even split. Rhyan got the start in Week 1, but it was Morgan who got the start in Week 6. Not only did Morgan get the start, but he also saw the bulk of snaps. It was the first time it wasn’t Sean Rhyan playing the majority of snaps since 2023. Morgan finished the game playing 83% of the snaps at right guard.

Sunday’s game against Cincinnati demonstrated a changing of the guard for the Packers’ offense. Rhyan held down the position for a long time, but his performance left a lot to be desired. Rhyan has an overall PFF grade of 55.0, a pass blocking grade of 40.2, and a run blocking grade of 61.0. Through the first four games, Rhyan gave up ten pressures over 126 pass opportunities. His 95.9 pass block efficiency ranked 67th amongst all guards. He’s also been called for 3 penalties. Rhyan had an opportunity to take hold of the position, but instead, he left the door wide open for Jordan Morgan.

Morgan hasn’t exactly played exceptionally this season, either, but he hasn’t been allowed the opportunity to settle in at one position. Morgan was originally drafted as a left tackle and played most of the preseason at that position. He even played quite well. But this season, Morgan has played quite a few snaps at three different positions – none of which is his preferred position. Despite being a constant chess piece, he’s still performed better than Rhyan.

Morgan has had some struggles, but most of those struggles came at left guard. In two games at right guard, Morgan has earned overall PFF grades of 73.5 and 69.4, run blocking grades of 71.3 and 67.3, and pass blocking grades of 67.3 and 66.3. Those grades are above average across the board. He’s allowed two pressures across 36 opportunities, but hasn’t allowed a sack. Imagine how good he could be if he had a chance to actually settle in at just one position. 

The Job is Morgan’s to Lose

It’s impossible to predict what the Packers will do moving forward, but nothing is a sure thing anymore. Since the Packers love rotating their offensive linemen, there’s a good chance the rotation at right guard will continue for the foreseeable future. There’s also a chance it could be Morgan’s job and his job alone. Maybe injuries will continue to play a significant factor. One thing is for sure: the door is now open for Morgan to be the starting right guard down the road. 

Last Sunday’s game was a clear indication that the Packers weren’t satisfied with how Rhyan had been performing. They wanted more from the position, and in limited snaps, Morgan has been the better player. Morgan has been better as a run blocker and a pass blocker. It’s entirely possible that the small sample size might prove to be fluky. It’s also possible that this is the sign of great things to come. It will be intriguing to see what’s ahead.

Morgan has put himself in a good position. If last Sunday was any indication, the right guard position is Jordan Morgan’s job to lose. Rhyan has always been better as a rotational player, so the Packers may continue to deploy him as such. Rhyan isn’t going to go down without a fight, but if Morgan plays well, he’s not going to give the job to someone else.