The Green Bay Packers removed three players from the Physically Unable to Perform List (PUP) on Sunday. Offensive lineman, Elgton Jenkins, rookie WR Christian Watson, and TE Robert Tonyan all returned to practice for the first time this training camp.
The last time Jenkins was seen in the Green and Gold was the week 11 game vs. Minnesota in which he tore his ACL. Jenkins return is a welcome one for a team that has been dealt more than its fair share of knee injuries over the past few years. Fellow offensive line stalwart, David Bakhtiari suffered a torn ACL on a December 31, 2020 practice just before that post season run. Despite missing nearly all of the 2021 season, Bakhtiari still required an additional offseason procedure leading into this training camp.
Jenkins practice return on Sunday shows what looks to be a just under nine month recovery time for the star pass protector. For a team that has constantly been experiencing setbacks in this area, his return is a welcome sight.
Beyond being a welcome sign from a symbolic standpoint, Jenkins’ return is a huge addition to an offensive line tasked with protecting the back-to-back league MVP. As well, for a team that enters the season with arguably the best running back tandem in the league, offensive line play will be a top priority.
The versatile Mississippi State product is a plug and play performer who can line up at any of the five starting positions on the offensive line. During Bakhtiari’s absence, Jenkins started at left tackle for the Packers. On Sunday he was seen getting snaps in at right tackle.
Pending a healthy Bakhtiari return, Green Bay can field the best tackle combination in the league. Along with second year center Josh Meyers, and a young crop of talented guards, this has the potential to be a formidable line.
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Zach has been a lifelong Packers fan since his earliest memories of Brett Favre\\\'s Super Bowl win in Super Bowl XXXII. A proud shareholder of the team, he bleeds Green and Gold despite being born and raised in New Jersey. You can follow him on twitter at @RapMasterZach.
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