Packers OT Elgton Jenkins believed to have suffered MCL sprain vs. Falcons
The Green Bay Packers might’ve lost a key piece of the offensive line for a significant amount of time. Offensive tackle Elgton Jenkins is believed to have suffered an MCL sprain, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport.
Jenkins departed Sunday’s game against the Falcons and did not return for the second half. He will soon undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the injury. No other details were provided.
Green Bay lost Sunday’s game in Atlanta 25-24. The Packers opened the year with an impressive 38-20 victory over the Bears at Soldier Field last Sunday.
Jenkins, a second-round selection in the 2019 NFL Draft, is in his fifth season with the Packers. He is a two-time Pro Bowl selection, earning spots in 2020 and 2022. He was also a member of the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2019.
The Packers return to Lambeau Field next weekend to take on the New Orleans Saints.
Elgton Jenkins entered 2023 season with confidence
Even though the Packers entered a new era offensively in 2023, Jenkins expressed confidence in himself and in his teammates. He said he anticipated “big things” for Green Bay.
“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 after an OTA, 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.”
Nobody really knew what to expect from the Packers after the departure of Aaron Rodgers. And, through two games, it’s fair to say we still don’t really know what to expect.
But what we’ve seen has been positive. Green Bay had no trouble in the season opener against Chicago, starting the year 1-0. Then, to travel on the road and come up just one points short of a 2-0 start in a 25-24 loss to Atlanta — with a depleted offensive line — has to feel positive.
As the season progresses, Green Bay’s schedule will get more difficult. The Packers will continue to be tested on the field. And, if the offensive line continues to take hits, it could be a long season in 2023.