The Packers’ offensive line might look different soon
The Green Bay Packers offensive line is starting to get more healthy. With Elgton Jenkins and David Bakhtiari back to playing significant snaps, the Packers’ offensive line is beginning to look more dominant again. The unit’s health was critical for the team’s success in 2022. But it’s possible more changes will be coming soon regarding the group’s makeup.
Per Ryan Wood of USA Today, the Packers coaching staff is looking at moving Yosh Nijman to the right tackle spot. They would then slide Jenkins to the guard position. The decision isn’t set in stone yet.
Matt LaFleur says #Packers coaching staff have talked about Yosh Nijman moving to RT now that David Bakhtiari is playing full time. The team hasn't made a decision on that yet, but that would slide Elgton Jenkins inside to guard and ensure best 5 offensive lineman are on field.
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) October 3, 2022
According to Zack Kruse with USA Today, the Packers have already tried Nijman out at right tackle.
LaFleur confirmed the team has given reps to Nijman at right tackle. He played the position in college at Virginia Tech.
This would be a significant change for the Packers’ offensive line. It would likely be a better unit.
Royce Newman might not be a starter in this scenario
Royce Newman would be the odd man out if this change were to happen. Newman has struggled this season on the Packers’ offensive line. Last week, it was suggested that Newman might be benched to help the team’s performance. The same week, offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said Newman needed to be more consistent and physical.
The second-year offensive lineman still needs to develop in the Packers system. Newman has given up two sacks and eight pressures already this season. Jenkins would be a considerable improvement over Newman at guard. Jenkins made the Pro Bowl as a guard for the 2020 season. This type of move would make sense in the next two weeks as the Packers are playing two New York teams that should be easy to beat on paper. This will be an interesting development to pay attention to over the next week or so.