Packers’ Elgton Jenkins Battling Back Issue While Adjusting to Position Switch, Testing Depth and Flexibility of Green Bay’s Offensive Line

As the Green Bay Packers continue their preparations for the 2025 NFL season, one of their most versatile and valuable offensive linemen, Elgton Jenkins, is facing a dual challenge — adapting to a new position and managing a back issue that has impacted his offseason work. The situation has drawn concern and curiosity among fans and coaches alike as the franchise enters a pivotal year in its development.

Jenkins, a two-time Pro Bowl lineman known for his ability to play across the offensive front, has long been praised for his adaptability and technique. Whether at guard, tackle, or even center, Jenkins has performed at a consistently high level since being selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. But this offseason, the Packers coaching staff asked him to take on an unfamiliar role at right guard — a significant adjustment for a player most comfortable on the left side of the line.

Unfortunately, the transition has been complicated by a nagging back injury that flared up during minicamp and continued into training camp.

The Back Story: Jenkins’ Injury Concerns

According to head coach Matt LaFleur, Jenkins’ back tightness isn’t believed to be a long-term concern, but it has limited his reps and slowed the early stages of his adjustment to the new position.

“He’s a warrior, and we’re being cautious with him,” LaFleur said during a post-practice press conference. “With the amount of mileage he has, especially moving across different spots, we want to be smart. This is about the long game.”

Jenkins has not spoken extensively to the media about his back, but teammates say he’s remained positive and engaged during meetings, walkthroughs, and positional drills. Still, for a player whose game is built on powerful leverage and quick lateral movement, any back issue — even a minor one — can be problematic.

Team medical staff have not disclosed the full extent of the injury, labeling it only as “tightness” and “minor discomfort.” But the team is clearly managing his workload, often keeping him out of full-contact drills or substituting in second-team linemen during team periods.

Adapting to the Right Side

Switching positions on the offensive line is often more challenging than it appears, particularly when moving from the left to the right side. It’s not just a mirror image — the muscle memory, stance, and angles are entirely different.

“Elgton is as smart and adaptable as anyone we’ve ever had,” said offensive line coach Luke Butkus. “But switching from left to right is like writing with your non-dominant hand. It takes time.”

Jenkins has mostly played left guard for Green Bay but filled in at tackle and center when needed. This year’s switch to right guard was part of a broader strategy to protect quarterback Jordan Love more efficiently and to accommodate the development of second-year guard Sean Rhyan on the left side.

“We’re trying to get our best five guys out there,” Butkus added. “And sometimes that means moving pieces around.”

The Packers believe Jenkins has the footwork and football IQ to thrive anywhere on the line, but the timing of the position change — compounded by his injury — has added stress to the early stages of camp.

Locker Room Reactions

In the locker room, Jenkins remains one of the most respected voices on the team. Younger linemen frequently point to his film study habits and professionalism as a blueprint for their own growth.

“He’s a real technician,” said Zach Tom, the team’s starting right tackle. “Even when he’s not 100%, he’s helping us. That’s leadership.”

Jordan Love, entering his second full year as the starting quarterback, echoed the sentiment.

“Elgton’s one of those guys you just trust,” Love said. “When he’s out there, you know your blindside is good. You don’t worry.”

The Packers quarterback said the offensive line has had to do more shifting than expected this offseason, but noted that early adversity can be a blessing in disguise.

“Better to work through this stuff now than in Week 6,” Love said. “We’re learning to adapt, to be flexible.”

Packers’ Offensive Line Depth Being Tested

Green Bay’s offensive line has been a strength for years, but the current configuration is still taking shape. With Jenkins easing into the right guard role, young players like Rasheed Walker, Royce Newman, and Sean Rhyan have received more snaps, allowing coaches to evaluate different combinations.

“It’s a puzzle,” said LaFleur. “You’ve got to see who gels best together.”

The Packers are particularly keen on minimizing pressure up the middle, an area where Love struggled under duress last season. Jenkins’ potential move to right guard could be designed to anchor that side with veteran presence, but it will only be effective if he’s healthy and comfortable in the new spot.

Long-Term Implications

Jenkins is in the second year of a four-year, $68 million extension signed in December 2022. That contract reflects Green Bay’s belief in him as a long-term foundation piece. However, maintaining his health is paramount, especially given the physical demands of playing interior offensive line in the NFC North.

If Jenkins is unable to stay healthy or adjust effectively to the new position, it could force the Packers to reevaluate their interior line strategy — or even consider moving him back to left guard, depending on Rhyan’s development.

“Versatility is great,” said ESPN analyst and former offensive lineman Damien Woody. “But you want to maximize a guy’s strengths. If Elgton is elite on the left, and just good on the right, that matters.”

Jenkins’ Mental Approach

For his part, Jenkins seems unfazed.

“It’s football,” he told a team reporter during a brief interview. “You line up, you adapt, you do your job. Whatever side they need me on, I’ll be ready.”

That mindset, combined with his work ethic, continues to inspire confidence throughout the organization.

“He’s a guy you win with,” said general manager Brian Gutekunst. “Tough, smart, unselfish — he’s what we want our team to be about.”

Packers’ Outlook for 2025

The Packers are viewed as a team on the rise, led by a young nucleus that includes Love, Tom, Christian Watson, and defensive stars like Jaire Alexander and Rashan Gary. But that growth depends heavily on trench play — particularly the ability to protect Love and open holes in the run game.

If Jenkins can successfully manage his back issue and adjust to the right side, Green Bay could boast one of the most complete and versatile lines in football. If not, the early signs of disruption could be a red flag in a division that features fearsome pass rushers like Aidan Hutchinson (Lions), Montez Sweat (Bears), and Danielle Hunter (Vikings).

LaFleur is betting on Jenkins to deliver.

“We trust Elgton,” the head coach said. “He’s been through injuries before. He’s been through position changes. And every time, he’s come back stronger.”

Elgton Jenkins’ back issue and position switch represent a microcosm of the Packers’ 2025 story — potential greatness mixed with early uncertainty. As training camp continues and the regular season looms, all eyes will be on Jenkins and whether he can anchor Green Bay’s offensive line from a new vantage point.

In a league where durability and flexibility often separate playoff teams from pretenders, Jenkins’ ability to rise through adversity could define not just his season — but the Packers’ as well.