The Green Bay Packers moved to an impressive 7-1 following Thursday’s 24-21 primetime win over the previously undefeated Arizona Cardinals. The Packers reigned victorious despite being incredibly shorthanded at the receiver position due to COVID-related protocols. It, unfortunately, wasn’t all good news for the current holders of the NFC's No. 1 seed, as starting tight end Robert Tonyan suffered a season-ending knee injury in the victory. It represents a noteworthy blow for a Packers passing offense that has been firing on all cylinders as of late. Despite his slow start to the 2021 campaign, Tonyan totaled an astounding 11 receiving touchdowns and 586 yards a year ago, and his presence will especially be missed in the red zone.

General manager Brian Gutekunst will now be left to weigh his options as the hours tick away. With the in-house duo of veteran Marcedes Lewis and former third-round pick Josiah Deguara expected to pick up the majority of the snaps left behind in Tonyan's absence barring a trade, the Packers would be unlikely to receive much production in the passing game from the tight end position if they fail to make a move. According to multiple reports, the Packers are inquiring about the availability of several tight ends via the trade market ahead of Tuesday afternoon's NFL trade deadline. The Packers should absolutely acquire a primary pass-catching tight end.

Per Jeremy Fowler, Evan Engram and Hayden Hurst are included in the group the Packers have done their homework on, and represent the high-end options of the talent pool that is expected to be available. Either player would provide an exciting injection of energy into a Packers passing offense that could use more playmakers down the stretch. With the Giants in the midst of yet another wasted campaign, the 27-year-old Engram, who is playing on an expiring contract, especially stands out as an ideal fit and would serve as a serious upgrade in Green Bay.

Although the Packers own the best record in the NFC through eight weeks, they must be wary of the threat posed by the Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Los Angeles Rams. Simply put, the NFC is a bloodbath, and it's going to take something special in order to represent the conference in Super Bowl LVI. Should this indeed be Rodgers' last season in Green Bay, which seems to be the current expectation, then Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur should make every effort imaginable to bring yet another Super Bowl to their rambunctious and passionate fan base before their title window slams shut for the foreseeable future. Acquiring a high-end tight end would move the needle in the right direction, and improve their chances of capturing the Lombardi trophy in Rodgers’ home state of California this February.