Challenges await, but Packers' offensive line promises to be ready

Cheesehead

Well-known member
Mar 19, 2019
2,854
0
rwzmcyfv5n5jfagddwxl


That approach won't change in 2021 as the Packers prepare for life without Linsley and, possibly, without Bakhtiari in the early stages of the season – though no one is ruling out the ultra-determined Bakhtiari successfully completing a rapid ACL rehab in time to play Week 1, despite an early January surgery.


Judging by the reps doled out in the two OTA workouts open to the media thus far, rookie second-round pick Josh Myers will be given a crack at taking Linsley's place.


The Ohio State product has been snapping with the first unit during 11-on-11 periods in practice, and the Packers are going to see how soon he can be ready.


Stenavich described the process as starting at "ground zero" with a rookie learning a new offense and the techniques and responsibilities involved, and that process is young but underway.


"The good news with Josh is he's played at a big-time program, very experienced guy in a lot of big games in college, so he's able to handle a lot of things mentally," Stenavich said. "It's just a matter of getting him reps and getting him confident and hopefully we can get him going as fast as possible."


Similar to last year, the flexibility of veterans Elgton Jenkins, Turner and Patrick will give the Packers options when the time comes to make decisions. Jenkins can play all five positions across the line, Turner has played everywhere but center, and Patrick can play any of the three interior positions.


In the meantime, Stenavich also will work to figure out where all the young additions – six selections in all over the last two drafts – fit best.


Runyan (2020, sixth round), Royce Newman (2021, fourth round) and Cole Van Lanen (2021, sixth round) are lining up at different spots here and there as the coaches get early looks at them and test their ability to see the game from varied angles.
 
Top