Green Bay Packers’ GM Brian Gutekunst confirmed that the mysterious ailment affecting center Elgton Jenkins is, in fact, a back injury. Jenkins was placed on the non-football injury list on arrival at training camp, indicating the injury occurred outside team facilities.
More importantly, Gutekunst said he’s spoken with Jenkins and firmly expects him to resume on-field work once he’s medically cleared. Jenkins hasn’t participated in voluntary workouts and skipped minicamp as part of his ongoing contract dispute—actions that helped him avoid penalties .
Now in the second year of his four-year extension from 2022, Jenkins is set to earn $12.8 million in 2025 and $20 million in 2026, averaging $17 million per year—less than new guard Aaron Banks and newly extended Zach Tom, neither of whom are Pro Bowlers, a distinction Jenkins has earned .
Gutekunst also noted that most other players on the NFI or PUP lists are expected to return soon—with the notable exceptions of wide receiver Christian Watson (recovering from an ACL tear) and rookie offensive lineman John Williams (dealing with a back issue) . Watson, already running again, is doing “great” and was described as “a freak” by Gutekunst
Additionally, players like RB Amar Johnson, DE Collin Oliver, LB Quay Walker, and CB Micah Robinson—who are on the NFI or PUP lists—could be joining practice soon. Walker underwent minor offseason ankle surgery and is expected to be about a week away from returning