Packers offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins has been formally diagnosed with a torn ACL in his left knee (Twitter link via Adam Schefter of ESPN.com). This was the expected outcome following Jenkins’ non-contact injury on Sunday against the Vikings.
Jenkins, a 6’5″, 311-pound lineman, made his name on the interior and earned a Pro Bowl nod last year as a guard. This year, with All-Pro David Bakhtiari still recovering from his own ACL tear, he was shifted to left tackle. Left without their top two options, the Packers deployed backup Yosh Nijman at LT yesterday. They went on to lose 34-31, dropping them to 8-3 on the season.
“Oooof,” quarterback Aaron Rodgers said after yesterday’s game (via Packers News). “He’s been so versatile for us. He can play every position on the line, I think he’s played at least four of them, so definitely hate to see that happen. Not sure what his official status is coming out of the game, but with Dave [Bakhtiari’s] status unknown we’re going to have to rely on probably Yosh [Nijman], he’s played some good football for us.”
The Packers can also turn to backup lineman Dennis Kelly for support, but they’ll be short-handed in any scenario. Meanwhile, the injury is doubly frustrating for Jenkins, who will be eligible for an extension this winter. For now, he remains under club control through 2022, per the terms of his rookie deal. The former second-rounder will earn $1.4MM in his walk year.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.