Packers Without Three Key Players at Friday's Practice

The Green Bay Packers are hoping to bounce back after a shocking 27-10 defeat to the New York Jets in Week 6, but they could be short a few crucial cogs when they face the Washington Commanders in Week 7. Offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins and wide receivers Christian Watson and Randall Cobb were all absent from Friday's practice.

Elgton Jenkins, Christian Watson, Randall Cobb and Jake Hanson aren’t practicing today.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) October 21, 2022

Jenkins has played the most pivotal role of the missing players to this point in the season, appearing on every single offensive snap over the previous five games. The one-time Pro Bowler may still be suffering some lingering soreness as he recovers from a 2021 ACL tear, but the team apparently framed Friday's unavailability as a rest day. There's still a strong chance he plays Sunday.

Meanwhile, Cobb and Watson both appear unlikely to play after missing every practice this week. Their absence could hinder a Packers passing attack that has underwhelmed so far this season. The team ranks 22nd in net yards per passing attempt and 24th in scoring through six weeks of the regular season.

Jenkins joined the Packers as their 44th overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft. He earned a career-high 82.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus over his eight appearances in the 2021 season but hasn't quite hit his stride since returning from his knee injury, grading out at 71.7 so far this year.

Watson joined the Packers as their 34th overall pick in this year's draft. He was expected to help offset the departure of All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams, but he has yet to work his way into a meaningful role with the team. He has totalled 52 yards over 11 targets across his four appearances.

Cobb is a long-time veteran of the league who has spent 10 of his 12 seasons with the Packers. He was the team's leading receiver through five weeks with 249 yards.