Packers 2022 roster preview: Elgton Jenkins at right tackle?
Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins is one of the most important players on the roster.
The former second-round pick has made an outstanding start to his career, showing he can play at a Pro Bowl level at each of the five offensive line positions.
Jenkins could miss the start of the 2022 season as he recovers from a torn ACL. The question isn’t whether he will start when he returns, but which position he will play.
2021 season review
With David Bakhtiari missing the start of the regular season, Jenkins was the Packers’ starting left tackle in 2021. And he played at a high level. According to Pro Football Focus, Jenkins only allowed 12 pressures in the eight games he played.
Jenkins only played in eight games as he suffered a torn ACL in the Packers’ loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 11.
The injury ended his season and means he might not be available for Week 1 in 2022.
Will he make the roster?
When fully healthy, Jenkins will be a key starter in Green Bay’s offense. It won’t be a surprise if Jenkins begins the season on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list.
This would mean Jenkins couldn’t play in the Packers’ opening six games of the regular season. That added time could be important in his recovery.
Whenever Jenkins is ready, he will be one of the first names in the starting lineup.
What to expect in 2022
Jenkins is coming off a significant injury, and he may also miss the start of the regular season. That needs to be considered, but there is no reason why Jenkins can’t get back to his Pro Bowl best this season.
So, where should Jenkins play?
Assuming Bakhtiari is healthy, he will be back to left tackle. Also, Green Bay has invested a lot at the interior positions in recent years.
The best spot for Jenkins could be right tackle, which is now available after the Packers moved on from Billy Turner.
Jenkins will likely get paid tackle money in the near future, so why not play him at the more important position?
Right tackle makes the most sense for Jenkins in 2022.