Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins is active on Sunday night for the first time tearing his ACL on Nov. 21, 2021, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
Jenkins, the likely starter at right tackle, will make his 2022 season debut against the Chicago Bears after missing the Packers’ Week 1 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Jenkins, a 2020 Pro Bowler, got in a full practice on Friday, setting the stage for his return to the playing field for the first time in 10 months.
David Bakhtiari is inactive, but returning Jenkins provides a huge boost for the Packers offensive line. If nothing else, Jenkins (at least pre-injury) is a Pro Bowl-caliber player at all five spots.
The Packers allowed four sacks of Aaron Rodgers – who had two turnovers under pressure – in the season opener in Minnesota.
Last season, Jenkins started eight games at left tackle. In 2020, he played left tackle, left guard, center and right tackle, including 32 snaps at right tackle in Week 1.
The Packers’ offensive line is expected to be Yosh Nijman, Jon Runyan Jr., Josh Myers, Royce Newman and Jenkins, from left to right. Runyan cleared concussion protocol and is available to play.
Receiver Allen Lazard is also making his 2022 season debut after missing Week 1 with an ankle injury.
