From Green Bay Packers On SI · · 2m
Packers Center Injury Shifts Opportunity
John Williams steps into Packers' starting center role after Sean Rhyan and Jacob Monk injuries.
In brief
John Williams steps into Packers' starting center role after Sean Rhyan and Jacob Monk injuries. John Williams, a rookie left tackle, played 58 snaps as Packers' starting center after Sean Rhyan and Jacob Monk's injuries during Sunday's Detroit Lions game. Originally reported by Green Bay Packers On SI.
John Williams' sudden role
John Williams went from the end of the bench to front and center for the Green Bay Packers in the blink of an eye.
Williams' background
Williams, a seventh-round pick in 2025, hadn’t played a single snap on offense in his career.
Injury impact
With starting center Sean Rhyan and backup Jacob Monk injured within the first 10 plays, Williams wound up playing 58 snaps against the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
Rhyan's injury
Rhyan suffered a high-ankle sprain during the opening series against Detroit when running back Josh Jacobs was tackled and fell into the back of Rhyan’s leg.
Rhyan's recovery timeline
He will miss "at least" the next four games, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz.
Monk's injury
Monk suffered an injured quad during that same series and landing on injured reserve on Monday.
Williams' performance
Williams was thrown into the fire at Detroit, where he was challenged by a strong defensive line and incredible noise.
Williams' stats
PFF charged him with one pressure allowed on 43 pass-protecting snaps.
Coach LaFleur's praise
I can’t say enough about the job John Williams did, coming in in a hostile environment and just handling the operation, the communication.
Williams' background
Williams majored in aerospace engineering, so his ability to handle the mental aspects of the game are not in question.
Becton's promotion
With Monk on IR, the Packers promoted Mekhi Becton from the practice squad.
Becton's background
The 11th pick of the 2020 draft, he had started 59 games during his first six seasons.
Becton's role
He spent the past few weeks working at right guard and right tackle while getting acclimated after offseason surgery.
Becton's potential
Mekhi is a big guy; big physical guy, he’s a people-mover, a physical freak.
Packers' roster
Including Rhyan, the Packers have 11 offensive linemen on their roster.
The short version
John Williams, a rookie left tackle, played 58 snaps as Packers' starting center after Sean Rhyan and Jacob Monk's injuries during Sunday's Detroit Lions game.
