The Green Bay Packers are expecting offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins to return from his ACL injury and play snaps for the team during the 2022 season.
Coach Matt LaFleur said Jenkins, who tore his ACL in November of 2021, has done a “great job” during rehab so far, according to Mike Spofford of Packers.com.
“He’s been in Green Bay for the majority of the offseason. I’m excited about just the progress that he’s made, and we expect him to be back to full strength at some point during the season,” LaFleur said from the NFL Scouting Combine on Wednesday.
Jenkins suffered the injury while attempting to block Vikings safety Harrison Smith during the Packers’ loss at U.S. Bank Stadium on Nov. 21, 2021.
A Pro Bowl starter at guard in 2020, Jenkins moved to left tackle to replace David Bakhtiari in 2021. He started eight games and played 495 snaps at left tackle before suffering the season-ending injury.
The Packers are expecting Bakhtiari back at left tackle in 2022, meaning Jenkins will move back to guard or possibly slide out to right tackle once he returns next season. His performance on the left side suggests playing him at tackle could maximize his value long-term.
When could he return? Even if Jenkins misses games early in the season or needs a full year to get back to 100 percent, he should be back on the field (barring a setback) and playing during the final month of the regular season.
Jenkins, a second-round pick in 2019, is entering the final year of his rookie contract next season. Despite the injury, he remains in line to receive a lucrative second contract, likely in Green Bay.
Jenkins and the Packers will attempt to avoid a repeat of Bakhtiari’s recovery timeline. The five-time All-Pro missed all but one game in 2021 while dealing with fluid build-up and a clean-up surgery during his recovery from reconstructive knee surgery.