Former Packers DT Now with Bengals Insists on Playing Through Injury to Face His Old Team – Declares He’ll Shut Down Jordan Love

Former Packers Star Determined to Play Through Injury to Face His Old Team – Declares He’ll Shut Down Jordan Love

Cincinnati, October 11, 2025 — The upcoming Week 6 showdown between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Green Bay Packers has taken an emotional turn after reports surfaced that one Bengals defensive lineman is insisting on playing — despite not being fully recovered from injury. His reason? A chance to finally face the team that once let him go.

Sources inside the Bengals locker room revealed that the player personally asked head coach Zac Taylor to let him play, even after doctors advised rest. It’s not about statistics or headlines — it’s about something deeper, a battle that’s been brewing since the day he left Green Bay.

He didn’t hold back his words before practice, expressing a mix of determination and quiet fire: “I’ll be out there, no matter what it takes. I’ve studied that offense, I know every rhythm and route. When the whistle blows, Jordan Love won’t find a single open window — not this time.”

The statement spread quickly across social media, sparking conversations among both fanbases. Bengals supporters praised his grit and passion, while Packers fans braced for what feels like a personal vendetta coming their team’s way.

This mystery lineman has been a cornerstone of Cincinnati’s defensive front — strong, tactical, and respected for his discipline in the trenches. His leadership has set the tone for a Bengals defense that thrives on pressure and precision. And now, his decision to play through pain adds another layer of motivation heading into one of the season’s most anticipated games.

Later, it was revealed that the player behind those words was T.J. Slaton Jr., the former Packers defensive tackle who spent four seasons in Green Bay before being released in 2024. Drafted in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Slaton built a reputation for toughness and reliability, even if his name rarely dominated the headlines.

Now wearing orange and black, Slaton’s return to Lambeau Field isn’t just another matchup — it’s personal redemption. For him, this is more than a game; it’s about rewriting his legacy right where it all began.

When the Bengals line up on Sunday night, all eyes will be on Jordan Love and the Packers offense — but somewhere in that chaos, one familiar figure will be waiting, ready to make Green Bay remember what they gave up.