There was a great deal of optimism that the Green Bay Packers would have both David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins back for their Week One matchup against the hated Minnesota Vikings. Both were taken off the PUP list late in training camp, and both participated in team drills this past week. However, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero Tweeted early this morning that the Packers will be without both of them for their first game of the season.
The #Packers are expected to be without LT David Bakhtiari (knee), RT Elgton Jenkins (pectoral/knee) and WR Allen Lazard (ankle) today against the #Vikings, sources tell me and @RapSheet.
Yosh Nijman slated to start in Bakhtiari’s place on Aaron Rodgers’ blind side.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 11, 2022
Related: Packers Elevate Two Players from the Practice Squad for Week One
Not Good News for the Packers
This news is rather deflating for the Packers. David Bakhtiari in particular has been rehabbing his knee for over 20 months at this point. Unfortunately, he has suffered setback after setback. One has to imagine no one is more frustrated by this than him.
Elgton Jenkins, on the other hand, tore his ACL in Week 11 last season. Many did not even expect him to healthy enough to start the season on the 53-man roster. Instead, many thought he would be on IR for the first few weeks of the season. Hopefully this is just a one-week set back and both will be ready against the Chicago Bears in Week Two.
Who Will Be Starting on the Offensive Line in Week One?
As Pelissero mentioned in his Tweet, Yosh Nijman will start at left tackle for the Green Bay Packers. Nijman played left tackle for Green Bay last season when Jenkins went down with his ACL injury. Many believe that had Matt LaFleur allowed Nijman to start in the Playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers, the Packers may have won the game.
As for who will start at right tackle, that remains to be seen. The Packers’ website lists 2022 seventh round draft pick Rasheed Walker as the backup right tackle behind Elgton Jenkins. Other backup linemen include Walker’s fellow rookies Zach Tom and Sean Rhyan, though both are listed as backup guards. Jake Hanson is listed as the backup center.
Related: Packers Refuse to Talk Contract Extension with Star Offensive Lineman
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
