If David Bakhtiari can play, Packers to move Elgton Jenkins to left guard

Nov 7, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Elgton Jenkins (74) on the line of scrimmage against the Kansas City Chiefs during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Elgton Jenkins (74) on the line of scrimmage against the Kansas City Chiefs during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Green Bay Packers were planning on making changes to the offensive line following their performance against the New York Jets. However, any adjustments hinge on David Bakhtiari, who is listed as questionable, being available.

If Bakhtiari can play, Ian Rapoport reported that the Packers’ plan was to move Elgton Jenkins back to left guard. Presumably, Jon Runyan would slide to right guard and Yosh Nijman to right tackle.

The left side of the Packers offensive line could be dominant but the right side would still have questions

At left guard his first two seasons, Jenkins flashed All-Pro potential, allowing only one sack during that span, according to PFF. With him and Bakhtiari on the left side, Green Bay would have one of the best one-two punches to run behind and to protect Aaron Rodgers’ blindside.

With that said, there would still very much be question marks on the right side. Neither Runyan nor Nijman have any NFL snaps on the right side of the offensive line, and while the transition from one side of the line to the other sounds simple, it’s the furthest thing from that.

However, as already mentioned, these potential changes require Bakhtiari being on the field. And at this time, we do not know if that’ll be the case.

If he can’t go, it sounds like Jenkins will remain at right tackle, with Royce Newman sticking at right guard as Nijman resumes his previous role at left tackle. Rookie Zach Tom is another candidate for snaps if the Packers don’t want Newman on the field—although they usually do prefer experience.

Green Bay’s offensive line is once again going to be challenged, taking on a Washington Commanders defensive line that has been very good at pressuring the quarterback this season. Any potential success that the Packers are going to have on offense begins with the offensive line performing somewhat well.