{
  "id": 2121444,
  "title": "Are Packers mishandling Anthony Belton amid guard position battle?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/are-packers-mishandling-anthony-belton-amid-guard-position-battle",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-20T11:18:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/packers-mishandling-anthony-belton-amid-111821323.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Green Bay Packers' offensive line has been a frequent subject of discussion in recent years due to the coaches' constant experimentation with different combinations of linemen. At the start of this season, it appeared that Jordan Morgan, Aaron Banks, Sean Rhyan, Anthony Belton, and Zach Bako-Bewele would make up the starting five guards. However, the situation has become more complex, with Belton, a second-round pick from the previous year, facing a difficult challenge to secure the right guard position against rookie fifth-round pick Jager Burton and former fifth-rounder Jacob Monk.\n\nBelton's acclimation to the guard position as a rookie has been hindered by the fact that he mainly played at tackle during camp. The expectation was that he would receive a proper run at the interior position during the offseason. However, this has not materialized. Bako-Bewele, who was recovering from an injury, has mostly kept Belton at right tackle, and Belton has struggled in his position. Given that the Packers are unsure who will be the first to come off the bench if Morgan or Bako-Bewele gets injured, Belton's performance at guard is crucial. However, his efforts seem to be hampering his ability to get comfortable and compete effectively at guard, where Burton and Monk are consistently playing.\n\nWhen asked about Belton's role, head coach Matt LaFleur stated that he believes Belton can play either guard or tackle due to his versatility. However, Bako-Bewele being out for so long led to Belton being given more tackle reps upon his arrival. LaFleur also mentioned that Belton's performance in the preseason could influence whether he remains part of the battle for the right guard job. Meanwhile, Burton has received praise for his camp performances, with general manager Brian Gutekunst expressing excitement about Burton's potential as a player who can excel at both center and guard positions. In contrast, LaFleur described Belton as a young player still growing and learning, emphasizing the team's commitment to seeing his improvement. The article suggests that Belton might end up spending his 25th season as a swing tackle rather than the starting right guard he was initially projected to be.",
  "summary": "Anthony Belton is supposedly in Green Bay's guard battle but has played tackle for most of training camp, and is now at risk of falling behind.",
  "key_points": [
    "Anthony Belton faces battle for right guard position against Jager Burton and Jacob Monk.",
    "Belton played tackle during camp, hindering guard acclimation.",
    "Head coach Matt LaFleur believes Belton can play either guard or tackle."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}