Packers Elgton Jenkins doesn’t expect to go on IR
By Paul Bretl
After leaving last Sunday’s game against Atlanta with an MCL sprain, Green Bay Packers guard Elgton Jenkins told ESPN’s Rob Demovsky on Friday that he doesn’t expect to go on IR.
Jenkins exited the Falcons game in the first half after getting up slowly following a red zone run by AJ Dillon. Jenkins would remain in the game for two more plays, the second of which resulted in a Packers’ touchdown, before leaving the game.
"“Foot got caught in the ground and the turf didn’t want to give, and all those good things,” said Jenkins earlier this week. “But, yeah, it was just unfortunate, but it is what it is. It’s football.”"
Demovsky also added that Jenkins was not wearing a knee brace on Friday as he had been earlier in the week.
The recovery time for a sprained MCL, depending on the severity, can vary. With IR stints lasting at least four games, the Packers must feel that Jenkins’ has the potential to be back on the field before that point.
Following their game this Sunday with New Orleans, the Packers have a quick turnaround and play Detroit on Thursday Night Football. Green Bay then head to Las Vegas the week after and then have their bye week. If not ready prior to the bye week, the Packers face the Denver Broncos on October 22nd–a full month from now.
Through just shy of one and a half games, Jenkins had surrendered only one pressure on his 30 pass-blocking snaps, according to PFF. He ranks tied for ninth among all guards in pass-blocking efficiency.
How the Packers handle Jenkins’ absence at left guard remains to be seen. I go into greater detail here, but in short, they could start either Royce Newman or Sean Rhayn in his place or move Zach Tom to left guard with either Yosh Nijman or Rasheed Walker (if David Bakhtiari is available) at right tackle. I tend to think they’ll go with either Newman or Rhyan.
This week, this young Green Bay offense will be going up against an aggressive and physical New Orleans defense that statistically has been one of the stingiest in football through two games. Going back to last season, the Saints haven’t allowed an opponent to score more than 20 points in 10 straight games.
Along with Jenkins being ruled out for Sunday’s game, so is Zayne Anderson. Meanwhile, Aaron Jones, Christian Watson, Jaire Alexander, Lukas Van Ness, and Bakhtairi are all questionable.