With Elgton Jenkins back in training, what will the Packers do with the offensive line?

The Green Bay Packers have finally received some good news on the injury front. The team’s very versatile offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins returned to training on Wednesday after missing the last two games with an ankle injury. Barring a setback, Jenkins could prepare for the Packers in Week 5 when they face the Cincinnati Bengals.

Jenkins started his first two games on left tackle in 2021 and has done a good job. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the third highest-ranked offensive lineman in Week 1, as Jenkins was one of the few shining points on offense in a 38-3 loss to the Nova Saints. Orleans. He then played every snap against the Detroit Lions before being sidelined the following week.

Jenkins was replaced by Yosh Nijman, who, like Jenkins, had never started an NFL game on left tackle. However, Nijman also did a great job after allowing no pressure against a solid passing run from the San Francisco 49ers.

Packers offensive line coach Adam Stenavich now faces a dilemma, even if it’s a good problem to have. The Packers are so talented up front that they have to decide where to put the guys when more start to be healthy.

Does he insert Jenkins back at the left tackle, or roll with Nijman and play Jenkins in his usual place at left guard?

Jon Runyan has been the starting left goalie since week two. Moving Jenkins to the left keeper would put Runyan on the bench despite his recent success and attacking success. Runyan allowed one sack and four presses in 113 snaps as a pass blocker and was also solid in the running game.

It’s also possible Jenkins will play center this week against the Bengals. Rookie center Josh Myers was in attendance for Wednesday’s practice but did not participate. Myers is currently battling a finger injury sustained in last week’s win over Pittsburgh.

Jenkins has started center games in the past, including four games in 2020 for an injured Corey Linsley. In total, Jenkins played 297 center snaps over his three seasons in the NFL. Many thought Jenkins was the favorite for the starting center post until Myers got up and grabbed the post at training camp. Jenkins would likely be the starter if Myers couldn’t go. Lucas Patrick and Jake Hanson are other options.

Of course, we won’t know who the starting five will be until Green Bay takes the field on Sunday. As Matt LaFleur keeps repeating, these will be the best five available.