The Packers have activated three key players off the physically unable to perform list, including Pro Bowl offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins, who suffered a torn ACL a little less than nine months ago. Tight end Robert Tonyan and rookie wide receiver Christian Watson also practiced for the first time on Sunday. The trio will initially take part in individual drills and, if all goes well, will be eased into team drills. Their status for the opener on September 11 is uncertain.
The possibility of Jenkins being available for Week 1 is huge for a young and inexperienced offensive line that has really struggled against the Packers’ No. 1 defense all summer. If, and it’s a big if, the former Mississippi State star is ready for the opener against the Vikings, he would almost certainly start at right tackle. Royce Newman, who played guard all of last season, Cole Van Lanen, and impressive rookie Zach Tom have taken most of the snaps at right tackle in training camp.
The return of Tonyan, who suffered a torn ACL of his own a few weeks before Jenkins, would add a much-needed receiving threat at tight end. The current group consists of a slow-footed H-Back (Josiah Deguara), a slower-footed blocker (Marcedes Lewis), and a quartet of street free agents (Dominique Dafney, Tyler Davis, Sal Cannella, and Alize Mack). Those six players combined for 54 receptions and two TDs last season; Tonyan caught 52 passes and 11 TDs in 2020.
Watson, an extremely raw second-round draft pick from little North Dakota State, is the least likely of the three to contribute early in the season. Missing 13 practices was the last thing he needed, but the National Football League season is a marathon, not a sprint, so having Watson ready to contribute in November, December, and hopefully, January is what’s most important. Getting him back on the field now is a very positive first step, even in a limited capacity.
The return of Jenkins, Tonyan, and Watson leaves Bakhtiari, Kylin Hill, and Mason Crosby as the only players still on PUP.
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Getting Jenkins back for Minnesota would be huge, although I wonder how he’d feel about coming back on the same field where he got hurt.
The line needs either 69 or 74 to be ready for the opening game. Both would be great, but I don’t want to be greedy. I’m not sure how effective Tonyan will be without Adams attracting so much attention, but the offense definitely needs him. He’s Ozzie Newsome compared to the other tight ends on the roster. I’m anxious to see Watson. If he’s even close to as impressive as Doubs has been, this group of WRs might be OK after all.