Packers’ concerning injury update comes with a surprising silver lining that could make a real difference
Elgton Jenkins is expected to miss significant time, but Green Bay may have found a reasonable alternative at center.
The Green Bay Packers have had a sequence of impactful injuries on offense. Christian Watson started the season on PUP, Jayden Reed broke his collarbone, and Tucker Kraft is out for the season with a torn ACL. On Monday, during the 10-7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, center Elgton Jenkins also got hurt.
“It doesn’t sound promising,” head coach Matt LaFleur said after the game.
Elgton Jenkins has a long-term injury
After the game, ESPN reporter Rob Demovsky indicated that Jenkins suffered a fracture. The Packers announced it as an ankle injury during the game.
Given that it’s a fracture, even if Jenkins can return later in the season, it’s certainly a long-term issue for an already struggling offensive line.
The Silver lining for Packers with Jenkins’ injury
If Jenkins’ injury is an obviously bad outcome for the offense, his replacement left an excellent first impression. Former third-round pick Sean Rhyan entered the game and had a solid performance — he was probably an upgrade over Jenkins at that point, especially in run blocking.
The offense didn’t operate at a high level at any point of the game, but the unit did achieve a better performance with Rhyan on the field in the second half.
“Sean brings great energy,” quarterback Jordan Love said after the game. “Obviously, he’s a guy who’s played a lot of ball, so it’s tough losing Elgton, and we’ll see what the status is on him. But I think Sean did a great job coming in. He’s a guy who stays ready for whatever opportunity it is, whether it’s guard, center, whatever. He did a good job tonight.”
Packers’ future at center past this season
That sequence of events may have huge long-term implications for the Packers. Jenkins is under contract through 2026, but he’s slated to make $20 million next year — a high salary for a center. That, combined with his underwhelming performance over the past two years, makes him a candidate for a cut or at least a pay cut.
Meanwhile, Rhyan is in the final year of his rookie deal. So far this season, he has played 296 snaps at right guard and 56 at left guard. He had had four snaps at center in 2024, and his ability to play inside may increase his value — maybe even motivating the Packers to extend him after the season.
It’s still early, and nobody wanted to lose Jenkins to an injury. Depth may be an issue down the road, but at least the Packers seem to have a viable backup plan at center.
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