The Green Bay Packers entered Week 3 already dealing with uncertainty at left guard, and that situation got more complicated on Wednesday when Aaron Banks was ruled out again for the Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
That leaves the Packers with a decision to make before Thursday Night Football. Donovan Jennings started at left guard in Week 1, then was the first man off the bench last Sunday against the Jets after Banks was hurt. Jennings also got banged up in Week 2, which opened the door for Jager Burton to see playing time. On Wednesday, offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich did not reveal whether Jennings or Burton would get the nod this week.
A position battle created by injuries
The Packers did not need another question on the interior of the line, but that is where they are heading into the home opener against Atlanta. Banks missing a second straight game means Green Bay now has to sort out one of its most important protection spots with little time to spare.
Stenavich’s message to the backup linemen was straightforward: compete, be productive, stay clean, avoid penalties and make it difficult for the coaches to take them off the field. That is the standard now for Jennings and Burton, who both have a chance to play a bigger role depending on how the Packers settle the lineup.
The timing matters because the Packers are already dealing with a season-ending loss at another spot on the line. That makes the left guard decision even more important, especially with Jordan Love and the rest of the offense trying to find consistency early in the year.
What comes next
The Packers may not announce the starter until closer to kickoff, but the competition is clear. If Jennings is healthy enough to return, he gives Green Bay the most direct continuity from Week 1. If not, Burton is next in line after seeing action in Week 2. Either way, the Packers will head into Thursday Night Football with a shuffled offensive front and another test for their depth.
