Josh Sitton makes 1st start at left tackle

In a pinch, the Green Bay Packers will use their best offensive lineman to plug the unit’s most important position.

Left guard Josh Sitton was announced as the Packers’ starting left tackle before kickoff of Sunday night’s game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. Sitton is the lone Pro Bowler along the Packers’ offensive line. He’s also the team’s best pass blocker.

Backup Lane Taylor replaced Sitton at left guard.

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Sitton went 42 straight games without allowing a sack, a streak that spanned from Week 17 of the 2012 season to Week 6 of this season. His streak was the longest for any guard since at least 2007, according to Pro Football Focus, which came into existence that year.

After not allowing a sack in either of the past two years, Sitton has been less than perfect this season. He allowed one sack in three straight games against the San Diego Chargers, Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers. He has not allowed a sack since, though he has given up eight of his nine quarterback hurries in the past seven games.

In college, Sitton was known for his versatility at Central Florida. He started at both guard spots as well as right tackle, according to his college bio. His bio page does not make mention to him playing left tackle.

Still, it’s hard to imagine Sitton would be a worse option at left tackle than what the Packers received from backup Don Barclay last week. Barclay allowed four sacks and four quarterback hurries while being called for three penalties at the Arizona Cardinals. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was sacked eight times in Arizona, his most since 2012.