An injury has opened the door for a new starter at left guard for the Green Bay Packers.
Veteran Lane Taylor didn’t practice Friday due to a biceps injury, likely clearing the way for rookie Elgton Jenkins to make his first career NFL start against the Denver Broncos.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur said he’s anticipating Jenkins to start for Taylor on Sunday.
Jenkins, the Packers’ second-round pick, played 18 snaps in a rotation with Taylor during the Packers’ win over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2.
“He just did his job,” LaFleur said. “I just like the effort and the intensity to which he played with. He did an excellent job out there.
Although LaFleur said he was comfortable with continuing the competition and rotation at left guard, Taylor’s injury creates an opportunity for Jenkins, the 44th overall pick, to take the job and run with it.
Taylor, who started the first two games at left guard, was added to the injury report on Thursday.
Jenkins produced a strong preseason and kept a clean sheet in pass protection, but LaFleur decided to go with Taylor’s experience at left guard to start the season. He struggled at times against the Chicago Bears but was better during Sunday’s win over the Vikings. His block helped Jamaal Williams score the game’s opening touchdown.
Jenkins was solid over his 18 snaps. He drove All-Pro Linval Joseph into the end zone on Aaron Jones’ touchdown run early in the second quarter.
Jenkins will become the second Packers rookie to start a game this season, joining safety Darnell Savage.
