Matt LaFleur hints at big decision that could determine first-round pick's immediate impact

One of the big questions the Green Bay Packers are yet to answer before the regular season begins is who will be the starter at right guard. Rasheed Walker, Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers, and Zach Tom have secured starting spots, but the final spot of the offensive line is still open because of unfortunate circumstances.

Rookie first-round pick Jordan Morgan was taking over the spot with a strong training camp, but he injured his shoulder in the week before the first preseason game, against the Cleveland Browns. That issue forced Morgan to miss all three exhibition games, and it's hard to put him on the field from the get go without any previous action. Morgan returned to practice, but wasn’t able to do team drills for the most part.

Because of that, it seems like former third-round pick Sean Rhyan might get the job, at least in the beginning of the regular season.

"Sean Rhyan has done an outstanding job. So we have a difficult decision," head coach Matt LaFleur said after the preseason finale on Saturday. "We have some time, we'll have at least five more practices before we play Philly before we have to make that decision."

One of the biggest issues for Sean Rhyan was his inability to have full strength for an entire game. Last season, he rotated at right guard with Jon Runyan, who was battling injuries. Asked if he could repeat that rotating approach, LaFleur left the door open.

"I like where you're going," he joked. "Everything is up for discussion right now. But I do think Sean has had an outstanding training camp and he's gotten better and better and better. One of the things we're looking for is in regards to stamina to play for four quarters."

Unless something unexpected happens between now and the Packers' trip to Brazil , it seems like Sean Rhyan will be among the five starting offensive linemen when Green Bay plays the Philadelphia Eagles on September 6.

It's certainly not what the Packers wanted when they took Jordan Morgan in the first round, nor when they decided Morgan would focus on playing at right guard to be more impactful early on. But it's how the situation presented itself, and Matt LaFleur is willing to handle everything with patience and an open mind.

Related: Matt LaFleur leaves the door open for outside options after key competition didn't go as planned