The Green Bay Packers will get back a key member of the offensive line on Monday night against the Las Vegas Raiders. Left guard Elgton Jenkins, who has missed two straight games after injuring his knee against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2, does not have a playing status designation on the final injury report and will play against the Raiders.
Jenkins, a Pro Bowler, missed games against the New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions. The Packers needed a 17-point comeback in the fourth quarter to beat the Saints and were blown out at home by the Lions last week.
Jenkins’ backup, Royce Newman, struggled as a starter. He allowed nine pressures, including a sack, and committed one penalty over 136 snaps against the Saints and Lions. The Packers offensive line, a strength to start the season, crumbled without Jenkins and left tackle David Bakhtiari.
While Bakhtiari will miss the rest of the season, Jenkins is back as soon as anyone in Green Bay could have hoped. It’s possible Jenkins will be wearing a brace on the injured knee to provide stability and protect against further injury. He practiced each day this week.
The Packers will also have right guard Jon Runyan Jr., who — like Jenkins — does not have a playing status designation on the final injury report. He will play through ankle and groin injuries. Right tackle Zach Tom (knee) practiced all week and is also good to go for Monday night.
Overall, the Packers will have four of five preferred starters along the offensive line available. Starting at left tackle is expected to be Rasheed Walker.
The goal up front for Jenkins and the Packers will be stopping Maxx Crosby, no matter where he’s lined up along the defensive line. Crosby leads all NFL edge rushers in pressures this season.
The injury report provided mostly good news for Jordan Love. Not only will he get back a key starter along the offensive line, but Luke Musgrave and Christian Watson do not have a playing status designation and Aaron Jones — while questionable — should play again. His skill position players are as healthy entering Monday night as they’ve been all season.