Green Bay Packers Sign Offensive Lineman Amidst Rash Of Injuries And Poor Play
The Green Bay Packers are making moves to address their beleaguered offensive line, signing guard and center Lecitus Smith to the practice squad. This decision comes as the team grapples with significant injuries and inconsistent play up front, most notably the recent season-ending injury to veteran leader Elgton Jenkins.
A Familiar Face Returns to the Green Bay Packers
This isn’t the first time Lecitus Smith has been on the Packers’ radar. The third-year player has spent time on Green Bay’s practice squad both this season and in 2024, and he was with the team during this past training camp. His familiarity with the system and coaching staff makes him a logical addition for a team in need of immediate, capable depth.
Originally a sixth-round draft pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2022, Smith played in 10 games with two starts as a rookie. Since then, he has had stints with the Houston Texans, Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots, and Pittsburgh Steelers. This journeyman experience has exposed him to various NFL schemes, which could be an asset as he integrates back into Green Bay’s system.
Addressing a Critical Need
The Packers’ offensive line has been a source of concern throughout the season. The unit has struggled with protection breakdowns and has been unable to consistently establish the run. The situation became more dire with the loss of Elgton Jenkins, the line’s most experienced player, to a broken fibula. His absence creates a massive void in both leadership and on-field performance.
With Jenkins out, Sean Rhyan is expected to take over at center, a position where he has limited game experience. The depth behind him is thin, making the addition of a versatile interior lineman like Smith a necessary move. Smith played both guard and center at Virginia Tech, where he was a two-time All-ACC selection, and that flexibility is invaluable for a unit in flux.
What Smith Brings to the Packers
While a practice squad signing may not be a headline-grabbing transaction, it is a crucial one for the Packers at this moment. Smith provides an experienced body who can step in and practice at multiple interior positions. He has been elevated for one game already this season, showing the coaching staff has some level of trust in his ability to contribute if called upon.
At 6-foot-3 and 314 pounds, Smith has the size to hold up in the trenches. His main role will be to provide a reliable backup option and push the players currently on the active roster. For a team trying to stabilize its offense and make a playoff push, having dependable and versatile depth on the offensive line is non-negotiable. Smith’s signing is a practical step toward shoring up a critical area of weakness.
