RT Zach Tom is not expected to play Sunday night vs. the Cowboys due to the oblique injury he suffered in a loss at Cleveland

Green Bay, Wisconsin – Amid the intense 2025 NFL season, the Green Bay Packers have received bad news as right tackle Zach Tom is expected to miss the crucial Sunday night game against the Dallas Cowboys. The oblique injury (oblique muscle) he sustained is not just a typical accident but also highlights mistakes in player health management, leading to serious consequences for the team. This article will analyze in detail the causes of the injury and how it affects the Packers' performance.

Causes and Progression of Zach Tom's Injury

Zach Tom, the 26-year-old player signed to a long-term contract worth up to $88 million USD by the Packers, has faced health issues right from the start of the season. According to reports, his oblique injury originated in Week 1, when he had to leave the field early due to sudden pain in the oblique muscle area. This is a common injury among athletes, often occurring due to forceful twisting movements or direct collisions while blocking opponents. An oblique injury can cause intense pain, limit mobility and strength maintenance, especially for the right tackle position which requires high flexibility to protect the quarterback.

After sitting out the entire Week 2 to recover, the Packers' coaching staff decided to risk bringing Tom back for the Week 3 game against the Cleveland Browns. However, this plan quickly failed. Right in the first snap of the Packers' offense, Tom aggravated the injury, allowing him to play only one snap before leaving the field permanently. The game ended in a 13-10 loss to the Browns, and many experts believe the decision to let Tom play was a "gamble that backfired," potentially prolonging his recovery time. There are even reports that Tom burst into tears due to frustration with his health condition, reflecting the psychological pressure athletes endure.

According to updates from ESPN and other reputable sources, Tom will be re-evaluated before Week 4, but his chances of playing are very low. Head coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged that the team will not repeat this mistake, prioritizing the player's long-term health over short-term risks.

Impact of Zach Tom's Absence on the Green Bay Packers

Zach Tom is not only a pillar but also a "star" of the Packers' offensive line, with outstanding blocking ability and stability that helps protect quarterback Jordan Love. His absence has exposed the team's weaknesses, especially in the loss to the Browns. Without Tom, the offensive line had to reshuffle positions, leading to a lack of cohesion and reduced efficiency.

Specifically, in Week 3, pressure from the Browns' defense on Jordan Love skyrocketed, with a pressure rate of 42.1% on dropbacks. This directly impacted Love's performance, including a costly interception that led to the opponent's decisive score. Experts from ESPN note that issues in the offensive line, partly due to injuries and instability, could become a long-term concern for the Packers if not addressed promptly.

If Tom continues to be out long-term, the Packers may have to rely on backups like Andre Dillard or Kadeem Telfort, but they have not yet proven effective replacements. This risks reducing the overall offensive strength, especially against a Dallas Cowboys team with a strong defense. However, the team has recently signed new offensive assistants to improve, showing efforts to adapt.

Conclusion

Zach Tom's injury is not just a personal loss but also a lesson for the Packers on health risk management. With the upcoming game against the Cowboys, the team needs to find ways to fill this gap to maintain playoff hopes. Packers fans hope Tom will return soon, as he is a key factor in the offense's success. Follow the latest NFL updates for more information.