Packers tackle Bako-Bewele likely out for season with torn patellar tendon

Zach Bako-Bewele, who suffered a complete tear in his right knee Sunday against the Jets, expects surgery Thursday and a recovery of about nine months.

Green Bay Packers right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele said he expects to miss the remainder of the season after tearing the patellar tendon in his right knee. The 27-year-old, who changed his name from Zach Tom before the season, was hurt in the first quarter of Sunday's 20-17 overtime win at the New York Jets.

Bako-Bewele said Tuesday that surgery is planned for Thursday and he anticipates a recovery of roughly nine months. It is the same knee in which he partially tore the tendon last December, an injury that ended his 2025 season. He called the latest injury a complete tear.

The tackle said he was blocking on a third-down incompletion when the knee gave way and that he immediately knew something was wrong. He could not pinpoint a cause but suggested the playing surface may have been a factor.

The injury is another blow to a Green Bay line that has allowed seven sacks in two games and ranks last in the NFL in rushing yards per game. Anthony Belton, a 2025 second-round pick, filled in at right tackle against the Jets. Left guard Aaron Banks also left that game with a toe injury, leaving his status uncertain for Thursday night's home opener against the Atlanta Falcons.

Bako-Bewele, a 2022 fourth-round pick from Wake Forest, has made 53 starts for Green Bay, including 48 over the past four seasons.