Elgton Jenkins expecting 'big things' from himself, Packers heading into 2023 season
It’s widely viewed that the 2023 season will be a transitional one for the Green Bay Packers. Just don’t tell Elgton Jenkins that, who believes despite the departure of Aaron Rodgers, “big things” are ahead not just for himself, but for the Packers as a whole.
Now another year removed from his ACL tear, Jenkins is excited to run it back at left guard following a Pro Bowl campaign this past season.
“It’s going to be fun, being able to have a whole season, a whole camp just working at one position and perfecting my craft,” Jenkins said following a recent OTA practice, per Mike Spofford of Packers.com. “I’m expecting big things from myself and I know my coach and everyone else is. So it’s just up from here.”
Jenkins, 27, earned the second Pro Bowl nomination of his four-year career after allowing just three sacks in 960 snaps through 15 games, according to Pro Football Focus. Jenkins’ play turned a corner after a midseason switch from left tackle to left guard, of which he has made 36-of-53 regular season starts at.
Now the second-most experienced member of the offensive line behind left tackle David Bakhtiari, Jenkins said he’s getting accustomed to being one of the veterans.
“All the young guys call me ‘OG’ and all that,” Jenkins said. “Four years ago, I was a younger guy, but I’ve crossed over.”
Packers entering new territory in 2023 without Aaron Rodgers
The 2023 season will be the Packers’ first without Rodgers in 18 years. Stepping in to replace the four-time NFL MVP is Jordan Love — Green Bay’s first-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Utah State. This past month, the Packers signed Love to a one-year contract extension worth up to $22.5 million in 2024. The deal includes $13.5 million in guaranteed money and replaces Love’s existing rookie contract. The fifth-year option would have paid Love a $20 million salary in 2024.
Love has completed 50-of-83 passes for 606 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions in limited playing time the last two seasons. Speaking during mandatory minicamp last week, Love said he believes the “sky’s the limit” for the Packers in 2023.
“I think we’ve got a great team,” Love said, via Jason Wilde of the Wisconsin State Journal. “I think we have a good offense, a young offense. We have a lot of work to keep putting in, keep building together. And I think we have a really good defense. Once we get everybody back and healthy, we’ll be really good.
“I think we’ve got playmakers on offense. I think all the weapons we have at receiver, tight end and running back, we’ve got guys who can make plays. … Think once everybody gets rolling, gets comfortable with the offense and being where they need to be every play, the sky’s the limit for us.”