Injuries force Packers to find offensive line depth
GREEN BAY, WIS. » The Green Bay Packers’ offensive line looks quite a bit different from last year’s version. But it again is withstanding multiple injuries to provide capable protection for reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers, the quarterback and Chico native.
2020 All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari hasn’t played all season as he recovers from a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Elgton Jenkins switched positions to fill in for Bakhtiari before getting injured himself. 2020 All-Pro center Corey Linsley left for the Los Angeles Chargers.
This new-look line featuring two rookie starters shows signs of progress. The Packers allowed just one sack in a 30-28 victory at San Francisco while facing a highly regarded 49ers pass rush featuring Nick Bosa.
“Honestly that’s just the standard,” right tackle Billy Turner said. “That’s the standard here in Green Bay and it’s been that way for a long time.”
Green Bay probably will have to play without Jenkins again Sunday when the Packers host the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jenkins is listed as doubtful as he continues to deal with an ankle injury.
Although Pittsburgh had its NFL-record streak of 75 consecutive games with a sack end last week in a 2410 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, the Steelers were playing without 2020 AllPro outside linebacker T.J. Watt due to a groin injury. Watt is expected to play at Green Bay.
“I watched all their sacks from the last two years, and I think I got nightmares from it,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said of the Steelers. “They do a great job of getting push in the pocket, they’re really sound in their rush lanes and they’ve got game wreckers up front.”
The Packers got accustomed to relying on a variety of line combinations last season when they scored a season-high 31.8 points per game even as injuries forced Jenkins and Turner to play multiple positions. But many of the Packers’ starting linemen this season didn’t play major roles a year ago, if they were even on the team. Although these changes help explain why Green Bay averages just 3.4 yards per carry — down from 4.8 last season.