The Green Bay Packers lost right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele for the season after reports on Tuesday revealed he suffered a torn patellar tendon in his right knee. Bako-Bewele had a moment to chat with media members at the team facilities and shared a crushing revelation about the injury.
While at his locker in the Packers locker room, the 27-year-old offensive lineman admitted that he knew something was wrong with his leg immediately when the injury occurred, according to Vince Lovergine of Fox News 11. Bako-Bewele also stated that the turf on the New York Jets' field did him no favors.
“Yeah, I knew something was wrong,” Bako-Bewele said. “I knew something was wrong. I mean, I don't think the turf helped… It's just something that happened. So, I just gotta move forward… It's definitely not what I anticipated happening, but I just gotta get back to work and start thinking about next year.”
A torn right patellar tendon for #Packers Zach Bako-Bewele, the same injury he had last year when it was partially torn. He said the turf didn't help.
"It's not what I anticipated happening. Get back to work and think about next year." #GoPackGo, (h/t) @mattschneidman pic.twitter.com/v9PFup8GSB
— Vince Lovergine (@Vince_Lovergine) September 22, 2026
The fifth-year veteran sustained a rather gruesome injury. Zach Bako-Bewele suffered the injury on the immediate play after wide receiver Jayden Reed had to be carted off the field after taking a scary hit to the head against the New York Jets.
His 2025-26 campaign was limited to just 12 games after suffering a similar injury last year. However, it was a partially torn patellar tendon last season, whereas this new injury is completely torn.
The Packers will likely rely on Anthony Belton to step up as the new starting right tackle. John Williams may get a chance to prove himself in that position, depending on how head coach Matt LaFleur wants to address the right side of the offensive line.