The Green Bay Packers are signing Laken Tomlinson off the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad, adding a veteran guard with a long track record of NFL starts to their roster.
Ian Rapoport reported the move after Tomlinson spent only a short time with the Cowboys. He signed there in the second week of this month after Tyler Smith was placed on injured reserve following thumb surgery, giving Dallas some guard insurance when its depth took a hit.
Why Tomlinson matters for Green Bay
Tomlinson is 34 years old and brings 11 seasons of NFL experience, along with 173 games played and 162 starts. That kind of résumé is part of why the Packers would make this move now, especially with their offensive line needing help.
Rapoport noted that Tomlinson's experience stands out: he has 162 starts under his belt and should give Green Bay another dependable option up front. For a team looking to stabilize its blocking unit, that is a clear selling point.
Tomlinson's NFL background
Tomlinson was selected in the first round by the Detroit Lions in 2015. He later became a Pro Bowl guard with the San Francisco 49ers in 2021, which remains the high point of his career.
Now he gets another chance to help a contending team fill a need. The move also leaves Dallas thinner in veteran depth after only a brief stint with Tomlinson on the practice squad.
