The Green Bay Packers will soon return one of the offense’s most important players.
The team designated center Corey Linsley for return from injured reserve, and he practiced with the team on Tuesday.
The Packers now have a 21-day window to activate Linsley to the 53-man roster. His ability to practice Tuesday suggests he could be back soon, potentially even in time to play against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday night.
Linsley injured his knee against the Chicago Bears on Nov. 29 and was placed on injured reserve on Dec. 5. He missed games against the Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions and Carolina Panthers, all wins for the Packers.
Left guard and first-time Pro Bowler Elgton Jenkins started in Linsley’s place at center. If Linsley returns, Jenkins can move back to left guard, allowing Lucas Patrick to return to right guard and Billy Turner to right tackle.
Linsley played in the Packers’ first 11 games. He was the highest-graded center at Pro Football Focus at the time of his injury. Over 625 total snaps and 379 pass-blocking snaps, Linsley committed zero penalties and gave up just one sack and two total pressures.
Even if Linsley needs more time to get ready to play, the Packers should have their veteran center back in plenty of time for the postseason. Matt LaFleur’s team finishes the 2020 season with games against the Titans and Bears.