Big news for the Green Bay Packers as Matt LaFleur’s team prepares to play the Chicago Bears on Sunday: Both Preston Smith and Elgton Jenkins were able to return to practice on Friday.
Smith and Jenkins each missed practices on Wednesday and Thursday after suffering ankle injuries during last Sunday night’s win over the Minnesota Vikings, potentially putting them in danger of missing the regular season finale against the Bears. Their return Friday suggests both will have a chance to play Sunday.
Smith has 2.5 sacks and a team-high seven quarterback hits over the last two games. His strip-sack of Jaren Hall was a game-turning play during last week’s win over the Vikings.
Jenkins has played in 14 of 16 games at left guard. The Packers have finally gained stability and continuity along the offensive line, with Rasheed Walker settling in at left tackle next to Jenkins, Josh Myers at center, a rotation of Jon Runyan Jr. and Sean Rhyan at right guard and Zach Tom at right tackle.
At his locker on Thursday, Jenkins said he feels good and suggested he’ll be ready to go Sunday.
Although Smith and Jenkins returned, three others didn’t: running back A.J. Dillon, safety Rudy Ford and linebacker Isaiah McDuffie all missed a third consecutive day of practice and will be unlikely to play Sunday.
The Packers will provide official playing status designations within the final injury report on Friday afternoon. It’s possible Smith and Jenkins will both be listed as questionable.
