
The Green Bay Packers are on a two-game losing streak, and the season could continue to spiral. The offensive line has not played well and will now be without center Elgton Jenkins, who has a lower leg fracture.
Head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed that Jenkins is most likely done for the season. "I'd say it's highly unlikely," LaFleur said.
With Jenkins out, the Packers will start Sean Rhyan at center. This makes an offensive line that has already struggled even weaker.
The Packers have invested a lot in the offseason, including the signing of guard Aaron Banks to a four-year, $77 million contract this offseason. They also drafted left tackle Anthony Belton in the second round of the draft.
Banks has underperformed his contract thus far, while Belton hasn't played much. When Belton was on the field, he struggled with penalties.
With the investment financially and with draft capital, the Packers would hope for their offensive line to play at a higher level.
Green Bay's offense has been inconsistent this season, with back-to-back subpar performances, scoring just 13 points against the Carolina Panthers and seven points against the Philadelphia Eagles.
While the playcalling by LaFleur has been questionable, the offensive line has been a major factor in the offensive struggles.
The Packers' matchup on Sunday will be a true test for Rhyan and the offensive line. Green Bay is going up against the New York Giants, who have a talented defensive line with Dexter Lawrence II, Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Against an elite pass-rushing defensive line like that, Green Bay will need its offensive line to protect Jordan Love better than they have thus far.
It will also be on LaFleur to scheme plays that will get the ball out quickly to Green Bay's playmakers like Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Matthew Golden, and Josh Jacobs.
While Jenkins was having a down year in his first season at center, he is still a big loss for the Packers' offensive line. This could have major implications for his future with the team, as Green Bay could look to restructure or move on from Jenkins.