Green Bay Packers starting offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins reportedly had to leave the team’s joint practice with the Cincinnati Bengals early. The alleged victim in the second brawl, D.J. Reader, added an insult to Jenkins after practice finished.
The Bengals and Packers held a joint practice Wednesday ahead of their preseason game Friday.
Practices between players on the same team can spark fights during training camp. When teams hold joint practices, fights are expected. But players have to learn how to handle their emotions before the regular season starts.
The Packers learned that lesson the hard way with linebacker Quay Walker last season. He was ejected from two games last season.
The Green Bay Packers ejected Jenkins from practice
Per WSH Media files, Jenkins was involved in two fights Wednesday. The first fight involving Jenkins was initiated by Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt. The second fight was all on Jenkins as he took a swing at Bengals defensive tackle Reader.
According to Matt Schneidman with The Athletic, Jenkins was ejected from the practice.
Elgton Jenkins’ day is done after being involved in two fights. Pads are off and he’s being taken back inside.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) August 9, 2023
Cincinnati Bengals DT D.J. Reader responds to Elgton Jenkins
Kelsey Conway with USA Today asked Reader about the fight after practice. Reader confirmed Jenkins took a swing at him and insulted Jenkins for throwing a “light” punch:
“Yeah, but you know, that’s how it goes when guys don’t wanna practice,” Reader said sarcastically. “They don’t want to get better. And they’re frustrated and got hands put on them the first time, so they’re going to take it out on somebody else, and then you don’t really be accurate. You punch so light that your head don’t move. It’s tough.”
DJ Reader on what happened in the scuffle with Elgton Jenkins pic.twitter.com/Mv8MCSxkMP
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) August 9, 2023
Jenkins can’t be too pleased with that taunting soundbite from Reader. We’ll see how the Packers and Bengals respond to the brewing animosity between their players on Friday.
For More Wisconsin Sports:
Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @WiSportsHeroics. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks.