Packers: Corey Linsley could return in Week 16 vs. Titans

Packers center Corey Linsley could return in Week 16.

The Green Bay Packers could get starting center Corey Linsley back in Week 16 against the Tennessee Titans.

Linsley is still on injured reserve but is eligible to return anytime now after missing the past three games. According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, Linsley was practicing again on Wednesday which is potentially a good sign that he’ll be able to make his return this weekend.

And it would come at just the right time for the Packers.

The offensive line has been playing at a high level all season long but they had one of their worst games of the season against the Carolina Panthers, allowing five sacks.

Getting Linsley back — who is having a Pro Bowl season even if he somehow didn’t make the roster — would be a huge boost for this offense entering the final two games of the season.

What has made Linsley’s performances this season so special is that he’s been equally as strong in both the passing game and the ground game. According to ESPN, he ranks fourth among all centers in pass block win rate and leads the league among centers in run block win rate. He also enters Week 16 as Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded center.

With Linsley on the verge of making his return from injury, the Packers could soon have their best starting five along the offensive line all healthy. As long as they can avoid any other injuries between now and the playoffs beginning, this would put the offense in a great position for the postseason.

Linsley’s status will be something to watch as the week goes on, but the fact he’s back at practice is a good sign that he’s close to making his return, even if it doesn’t come this week against the Titans.

And Linsley’s return would be great news for this offense.