The Green Bay Packers will welcome Kevin Zeitler to their offensive line as they prepare to face the Chicago Bears in Week 5. Zeitler is expected to make his debut on Sunday, potentially replacing Travis Glover at right guard. The Packers hope Zeitler’s addition will solidify a line that needs to improve its run blocking and pass protection to give quarterback Jordan Love more time in the pocket.
The Packers have scraped out narrow victories over the New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first four weeks under Matt LaFleur. A win against the Bears would provide the kind of momentum they need to separate themselves in October. With the Bears missing key offensive players Caleb Williams and Kyle Monangai, Green Bay sees an opening to exploit a weakened rival.
The projected starting offensive line could look like Morgan, Tomlinson, Rhyan, Zeitler, and Belton for the remainder of the season if Zeitler’s performance meets expectations. Zach Kruse, managing editor at SCN, said a strong showing by the offensive line could raise the ceiling for the Packers in 2026. "They have to run the ball consistently, protect Love in dropbacks, and keep possession," Kruse noted. "That all starts up front."
Still, the Packers’ ability to convert red zone opportunities remains a concern. Mark Oldacres, a contributor to SCN, pointed out that both teams struggle in the red zone—Chicago is 31st in red zone scoring percentage, while Green Bay is last in red zone defense. The Packers have also fumbled away chances and relied on fourth-down conversions recently. With this game likely to be close, capitalizing on scoring chances could be decisive.
The Packers’ receiving corps will face a Chicago secondary that has shown vulnerability. Both Bears cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson have allowed yardage and catches this season. Christian Watson and Matthew Golden have created explosive plays consistently for Green Bay. Kruse highlighted this matchup as a positive for the Packers, provided the offensive line can give Love enough time. Watson caught touchdown passes in two of the three meetings with Chicago last season, and Golden delivered his best performance in the playoff game.
Defensively, the Packers face challenges against Bears backup quarterback Tyson Bagent. Bagent has performed well behind a strong offensive line and has quick-release passes, making him difficult to pressure. The Packers will be without Micah Parsons and Edgerrin Cooper, which could limit their pass rush. Oldacres warned that Chicago’s run game could cause problems for Green Bay’s defense. "Ben Johnson has shown he can create an effective offense with different quarterbacks," Oldacres said, referring to the Bears’ coordinator. "Their run game could be Green Bay’s kryptonite."
The matchup between Packers slot corner Javon Bullard and Bears slot receivers Luther Burden III, Colston Loveland, and Kaliff Raymond will be one to watch. Bullard will have to cover three receivers with different skill sets—Burden with his separation ability, Loveland’s size and athleticism, and Raymond’s agility. Bullard has quietly been one of the NFL’s top slot defenders in 2026, and this game could be his breakout moment.
Injury concerns loom for the Packers on defense as well. Javon Hargrave was added to the injury report on Friday with a toe issue and is listed as questionable. The defensive line will need to hold up against one of the better offensive lines in the league to disrupt Bagent and the Bears’ running game.
To win, the Packers must avoid penalties, limit third-and-long situations, and tackle consistently. Any breakdowns could allow Chicago to control the game clock and the football. As the NFC North rivals meet, Green Bay will be looking to move past early-season struggles and seize the opportunity presented by missing Bears stars.
Kevin Zeitler’s debut on Sunday will be the latest development to watch as the Packers aim to get back on track in Week 5.
According to Yahoo Sports.
