Elgton Jenkins is the starting center who shares a seamless understanding with quarterback Jordan Love, but things could get more complicated for both players than initially expected. According to a report by Rob Demovsky, Jenkins may have suffered a fracture and not just a simple ankle injury, as the Green Bay Packers first reported.
“According to sources, X-rays showed Jenkins has a fracture. The Packers announced it as an ankle injury, but it’s possible it could be lower leg,” Demovsky reported on X. He also clarified that the scenario might not be the worst for Love and the Packers: “A fracture might actually be better than torn ligaments for Jenkins to possibly return this season.”
Losing their starting center for the entire month of November could be quite difficult for Love, who knows that with the Packers trapped in a two-game losing streak, he needs all available starters to win games. They are scheduled to play the Giants in Week 11.
Who could replace Jenkins while he recovers?
With Jenkins injured, the immediate option is Sean Rhyan. The only other player who could have filled in at center, Jacob Monk, is currently not operating at 100% capacity. However, at least Love has a temporary solution in Rhyan.
Jenkins has been with the Packers for seven years, making his return essential; he is a veteran who is nearly irreplaceable, and Love needs the help of players like him. Between 2022 and 2024, Jenkins missed only four games due to injury, having generally been a healthy player. Last season, he appeared in 17 games for the team.
Now at a 5-3-1 record, the Packers must be very careful how they manage injured players and time their returns. Jenkins being out is a significant loss for the Packers, but he is not the only injury concern; other players like Golden and Jennings are likely done for the season.