Packers' Elgton Jenkins moves to center; Kenny Clark played 2024 injured. Green Bay (June 2025) preps for 2025, facing Lions Week 1. OTA updates!
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Packer Nation, buckle up! Monday, June 2nd, dropped some major bombshells as the Green Bay Packers navigate their Organized Team Activities (OTAs). Two-time Pro Bowler Elgton Jenkins is making a significant move to center, while Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark revealed he played the entire 2024 season with a broken toe. These developments, alongside other roster news, are setting the stage for a fascinating 2025 season.
Kenny Clark's production plummeted from 7.5 sacks in 2023 to just 1.0 in 2024 – a drop now explained by a season-long broken toe.
The biggest news shaking the offensive line is Elgton Jenkins' shift to center, a position he played in college, following Josh Myers' departure to the New York Jets. This is a crucial move as the Packers aim to solidify the line in front of Jordan Love. Interestingly, Jenkins is currently not attending OTAs as he seeks to renegotiate his contract. This adds a layer of intrigue as the team also considers an extension for fellow lineman Sean Rhyan, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining stability with 84.5% of last year's roster returning. The timing is also notable, as the Packers' Week One opponent, the Detroit Lions, will also be breaking in a new center after All-Pro Frank Ragnow unexpectedly announced his retirement. Get ready for a battle of new signal-callers for the offensive lines at Lambeau Field to kick off the season!
In a revelation that explains a lot, Kenny Clark admitted he broke his toe in Week One of the 2024 season against the Eagles in Brazil and played through the pain all year. The injury, which required surgery this past January, saw his sack total drop from 7.5 in 2023 to a mere 1.0 in 2024, and his total tackles decrease from 44 to 37. This sheds light on his uncharacteristic dip in performance after signing his third contract extension. A healthy Clark in 2025 could be a game-changer for a defense looking to enhance its capabilities.
After a promising 2023, wide receiver Romeo Doubs saw a regression in 2024, mirroring a general step back for the Packers' receiving corps. This has led to speculation that Doubs could be a trade candidate. While the team boasts high roster retention, the front office is clearly looking to optimize every position. The performance of the receivers will be a key storyline as the Packers aim to build on their 11-6 record from last season, with Jordan Love stepping further into his leadership role.
Despite some individual player uncertainties, the overall team message is one of stability and growth. With 84.5% of the 2024 roster retained, the Packers are focusing on continuity as Jordan Love continues to develop as the undisputed leader. Current OTAs, scheduled from late May to early June, are crucial for strengthening playbooks, player development, and specifically addressing defensive weaknesses identified last season. The goal is clear: build upon the 11-6 record and make a deeper playoff push.
With OTAs in full swing and key positional battles heating up, the road to the Week 1 Lambeau opener against a divisional rival is already looking spicy. Keep an eye on Jenkins' contract situation and how the receiving corps shapes up as training camp approaches. Go Pack Go!
