Packers lose Zach Bako-Bewele for the season and hand right tackle to Anthony Belton

Green Bay will play the rest of the 2026 season without right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele, who told reporters Tuesday that he suffered a complete tear of his patellar tendon. The injury requires surgery and a long rehabilitation, while Anthony Belton is expected to take over at right tackle.

Bako-Bewele was hurt on the Packers' third offensive play in Sunday's overtime win over the Jets. He had just returned from a partial tear of the same tendon last season and had re-established himself as one of Green Bay's most important linemen. The Packers signed him to a four-year, $88 million extension in 2025, making the loss a major roster and cap-planning event as well as a weekly football adjustment.

Belton replaced him against New York and is the clear player to watch for Thursday's home opener against Atlanta. Green Bay could also have a second new starter because guard Aaron Banks left the Jets game with a toe injury. The official injury report lists Banks among the players being monitored, so the Packers' protection plan remains unsettled.

The RSO effect reaches the entire Green Bay offense. A new tackle can alter how often Jordan Love holds the ball, how aggressively the Packers call deep routes and how confidently the run game attacks the right side. Atlanta's pass rush will test Belton immediately, but managers should avoid downgrading every Green Bay skill player from one replacement before snap counts and protection calls are known.

Bako-Bewele is a dynasty hold where IR slots exist. Belton is a deeper-league add for managers tracking offensive-line changes, while the more practical short-term move is to monitor Love, Reed and Green Bay's backs together. The Packers have lost a premium blocker and a starting receiver in the same early stretch, so Thursday's lineup should be judged on role clarity rather than last week's box score.