Torn ACL For Packers’ Elgton Jenkins?
Packers offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins is believed to have suffered an ACL tear (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). The team won’t know for sure until he undergoes additional testing, but the early indication is that this’ll be a season-ending injury. 
Jenkins, 26 in December, suffered the injury in the third quarter while getting ready to stuff Harrison Smith‘s blitz attempt. There didn’t seem to be contact on the play, but Smith was left writhing in pain and clutching his left knee. After that, Smith had to be carted off and replaced by backup Yosh Nijman at left tackle. The Packers went on to lose 34-31 to the Vikings, dropping them to 8-3 on the year.
Jenkins, a Pro Bowl left guard, has been filling in at left tackle for All-Pro David Bakhtiari. If Jenkins is done for the year, they’ll be left even thinner up front. Meanwhile, there’s no word on when Bakhtiari will bounce back from his own ACL recovery.
“I’m not going to get into it, guys,” head coach Matt LaFleur said last week when asked about Bakhtiari (via The State Journal). “You can ask a million different ways. I’m just going to tell you the same thing over and over. It’s day to day. It’s part of the process. He’s coming off a major injury. He’s doing everything in his power to get back as quickly as possible, and that’s just where we are right now.”
The Packers should know more about Jenkins’ condition by tomorrow morning. But, barring any unexpected good news, they’ll have to place the 6’5″, 311-pound lineman on season-ending IR.
Minor NFL Transactions: 11/20/21
We’ll keep track of today’s stream of minor moves right here:
Arizona Cardinals
- Placed on IR: LB Tanner Vallejo
- Promoted: LS Beau Brinkley, RB Tavien Feaster, LB Joe Walker, LB Tahir Whitehead
Baltimore Ravens
- Placed on IR: OLB Pernell McPhee
- Activated from IR: G Ben Cleveland
- Promoted: G/DT Khalil McKenzie, QB Trace McSorley, LB Joe Thomas
Carolina Panthers
- Promoted: G John Miller
- Placed on IR: CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver
Chicago Bears
- Activated from IR: S Deon Bush
- Promoted: WR Isaiah Coulter, OLB Ledarius Mack
Cincinnati Bengals
- Promoted: TE Mason Schreck
Cleveland Browns
- Promoted: WR Lawrence Cager, DE Porter Gustin, CB Herb Miller
- Waived: RB John Kelly
Dallas Cowboys
- Promoted: CB Kyron Brown, CB Deante Burton
Denver Broncos
- Activated from reserve/COVID-19 list: QB Drew Lock
- Activated from IR: CB Michael Ojemudia, LB Justin Strnad
Detroit Lions
- Promoted: WR Tom Kennedy, OL Tommy Kraemer, K Aldrick Rosas
- Waived: DL Kevin Strong
Green Bay Packers
- Promoted: La’Darius Hamilton, WR Juwann Winfree
Houston Texans
- Activated from IR: DB Terrence Brooks
- Placed on IR: LB Hardy Nickerson
- Promoted: DL Derek Rivers
Indianapolis Colts
- Promoted: S Jahleel Addae
- Waived: CB Anthony Chesley
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Promoted: WR John Brown
Kansas City Chiefs
- Waived: TE Daniel Brown
- Promoted: WR Daurice Fountain
Las Vegas Raiders
- Activated from IR: S Roderic Teamer
- Placed on IR: FB Alec Ingold (story)
- Promoted: FB Sutton Smith
Los Angeles Chargers
- Promoted: DL Andrew Brown, DL Forrest Merrill, CB Kiondre Thomas
Miami Dolphins
- Promoted: RB Duke Johnson
Minnesota Vikings
- Promoted: DB Myles Dorn
New Orleans Saints
- Activated from IR: RB Tony Jones Jr.
- Waived: CB Ken Crawley, WR Kevin White
- Promoted: T Caleb Benenoch, DT Josiah Bronson, OL Will Clapp, CB KeiVarae Russell
- Placed on IR: DT Malcolm Roach
New York Jets
- Promoted: FB Nick Bawden, DE Ronald Blair
Philadelphia Eagles
- Placed on IR: OL Jack Anderson
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Promoted: DL Daniel Archibong, LB Delontae Scott
Seattle Seahawks
- Promoted: CB Gavin Heslop
Tennessee Titans
- Activated from IR: TE Tommy Hudson
Packers Audition RB Kerryon Johnson
After three years in Detroit, Kerryon Johnson has gone through a more complicated 2021. The former second-round pick has been with three teams this year, with more looming on the radar at various points.
The Packers joined the latter contingent, bringing in the ex-Lions starter for a workout. Green Bay has run into another Aaron Jones MCL issue, creating a temporary need in its backfield.
[RELATED: Jones To Miss Time With Knee Injury]
Once the new Lions regime waived Johnson earlier this year, the Eagles claimed him. The Dolphins had submitted a claim as well. Philly, however, cut ties with the ex-Auburn standout in August. Johnson landed in San Francisco in September, amid the 49ers’ early-season injury struggles at running back, but barely lasted into October with the team. He has also met with the Raiders and Washington this year.
Green Bay is set to use A.J. Dillon as its starter during Jones’ absence, with second-year UDFA Patrick Taylor residing as the other running back on the 8-2 team’s active roster. Kylin Hill is on IR, with a knee injury knocking the Mississippi State rookie out for the season. The Packers have Ryquell Armstead and 2019 seventh-rounder Kerrith Whyte on their practice squad. Johnson, who rushed for 641 yards in 10 games as a rookie, played in one game for the 49ers this season.
Minor NFL Transactions: 11/16/21
Today’s minor moves:
Atlanta Falcons
- Placed on reserve/COVID-19 list: G Josh Andrews
Detroit Lions
- Waived: WR Geronimo Allison
Green Bay Packers
- Promoted: OLB Tipa Galeai
Kansas City Chiefs
- Promoted: QB Shane Buechele (story)
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Waived: WR Tyron Johnson
Miami Dolphins
- Placed on IR: T Greg Little
- Waived: S Sheldrick Redwine
Minnesota Vikings
- Activated from reserve/COVID-19 list: C Garrett Bradbury
- Placed on reserve/COVID-19 list: S Josh Metellus
New Orleans Saints
- Waived: DT Montravius Adams
New York Jets
- Signed off Bills’ practice squad: CB Rachad Wildgoose
- Promoted: TE Kenny Yeboah
Tennessee Titans
- Activated from IR: OLB Derick Roberson
- Promoted: LB Dylan Cole
Washington Football Team
- Promoted: DL Daniel Wise
- Activated from reserve/COVID-19 list: T Saahdiq Charles
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/16/21
Keeping tabs on the latest taxi squad moves:
Baltimore Ravens
- Released: T Jaryd Jones-Smith
Buffalo Bills
- Signed: DT Eli Ankou
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: DL Josh Avery
- Released: DT Treyvon Hester
Cleveland Browns
- Released: WR Isaiah Zuber
Dallas Cowboys
- Released: WR Damion Ratley
Denver Broncos
- Released: G Shaq Calhoun, QB Danny Etling
Green Bay Packers
- Signed: OLB Ladarius Hamilton, RB Kerrith Whyte
- Released: DL Auzoyah Alufohai
Miami Dolphins
- Released: DE Jabaal Sheard
Minnesota Vikings
- Activated from practice squad reserve/COVID-19 list: T Timon Parris
- Signed: FB Garrett Groshek
- Released: C Cohl Cabral
New Orleans Saints
- Released: DT Montravius Adams, RB Lamar Miller
New York Jets
- Signed: WR Keelan Doss, LB Corey Thompson
- Placed on practice squad IR: LB Noah Dawkins
Seattle Seahawks
- Released: QB Jake Luton, DE Alex Tchangam
Washington Football Team
- Signed: TE Temarrick Hemingway, DT Gabe Wright
Packers’ Whitney Mercilus Done For Season
Whitney Mercilus signed with the Packers less than a month ago, but the pass rusher is now done for the season. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports (via Twitter) that the veteran linebacker suffered a season-ending biceps tear.
The veteran was signed to help fill in for Za’Darius Smith, who remains sidelined with a back injury. Mercilus ended up seeing time in three games with his new squad, collecting five tackles and one sack. Before suffering the injury yesterday against the Seahawks, Mercilus had appeared in at least 40 percent of Green Bay’s defensive snaps through his first three games with the organization.
Mercilus was cut by the Texans back in October after seeing his role reduced on defense. The 31-year-old still put up solid numbers despite the part-time role in Houston, compiling 12 tackles, three sacks, four tackles for loss, and three QB hits. The defender had spent his entire nine-plus-year career in Houston, starting 102 of his 132 games. He ranks second in franchise history (behind J.J. Watt) in a number of statistics, including sacks (57), forced fumbles (13), tackles for loss (72), and QB hits (115).
Packers Cut Blake Bortles From Practice Squad
Well, that didn’t last long. On Monday, the Packers released quarterback Blake Bortles from the practice squad. In a related move, they’ve reinstated fellow QB Kurt Benkert from the taxi squad’s COVID-19 list. 
Bortles signed with the Packers on November 3, just after Aaron Rodgers‘ COVID-19 positive. Brought in to provide an extra layer of insurance behind Jordan Love, he’ll leave after just a handful of scrimmages.
Bortles, once groomed to be the future franchise face of the Jaguars, hasn’t seen live action since his three-game 2019 season. Last year, he spent some time with the Broncos, but didn’t make it into a game.
Bortles, 29, owns a 24-49 regular season record as a starter. At this point, it’s fair to wonder if he’ll ever get an opportunity to make another start. He may, however, find another practice squad opportunity elsewhere.
To date, his 2017 campaign stands as his best. That year, he was under center for the Jaguars’ run to the AFC title game and subsequent loss to the Patriots.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/15/21
Today’s taxi squad moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Released: DL Matt Dickerson, WR Darrius Shepherd
Green Bay Packers
- Activated: QB Kurt Benkert
- Released: QB Blake Bortles (story)
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: CB BoPete Keyes
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed FB Sutton Smith
- Released: WR Gary Jennings
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: QB James Morgan
- Released: DT Isaiah Mack
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: TE Tyler Mabry
- Waived: QB Jake Luton
Packers’ Aaron Jones To Miss Time
The Packers got some relatively good news on Monday morning. Following an MRI, running back Aaron Jones has been diagnosed with a mild MCL sprain (Twitter link via Adam Schefter of ESPN.com). Jones is expected to be out for just 1-2 weeks, so the Packers won’t be placing him on injured reserve at this time. 
Jones was forced out in the third quarter yesterday after a tackle from Seahawks defender Bobby Wagner. At first, Jones tried to limp off of the field, but he ultimately had to be helped off to the sideline. It was a scary scene, but it turns out that the injury is not nearly as bad as it looked.
Without Jones, the Packers turned to A.J. Dillon, who finished out with 21 carries for 66 yards and two touchdowns. Dillon will likely get the call again vs. the Vikings next week; he may also be the primary ball-carrier against the Rams in Week 12. Fortunately for the Packers, they have a Week 13 bye, giving Jones ample time to rest up for the final stretch.
Jones has been here before — MCL injuries also cost him time in 2017 and 2018. Since then, he’s turned in some of his best work. Between 2019 and 2020, Jones averaged over 1,500 yards from scrimmage and 15 TDs, positioning him as one of the best running backs in the NFL. After that, the Packers gladly re-upped him with a four-year, $48MM deal, tying him to the club through 2024.
Minor NFL Transactions: 11/13/21
Here are Saturday’s minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Promoted: LS Beau Brinkley, WR Greg Dortch
Carolina Panthers
- Activated from IR: S Juston Burris, WR Brandon Zylstra
- Promoted: OL Mike Horton
Cincinnati Bengals
- Activated from reserve/COVID-19 list: CB Chidobe Awuzie
- Placed on IR: CB Ryan Smith
Cleveland Browns
- Activated from IR: LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
- Waived: DT Andrew Billings
- Promoted: RB Brian Hill, CB Herb Miller, WR JoJo Natson, FB Johnny Stanton
Dallas Cowboys
- Activated from PUP list: DT Trysten Hill
- Promoted: K Lirim Hajrullahu
Denver Broncos
- Activated from PUP list: CB Essang Bassey
- Promoted: T Quinn Bailey, RB Damarea Crockett, T Drew Himmelman, LB Curtis Robinson
Detroit Lions
- Promoted: K Ryan Santoso
- Placed on IR: K Austin Seibert
Green Bay Packers
- Activated from reserve/COVID-19 list: CB Isaac Yiadom
- Waived: LB LaDarius Hamilton
Indianapolis Colts
- Activated from IR: CB T.J. Carrie
- Promoted: S Jahleel Addae
- Waived: CB BoPete Keyes
Kansas City Chiefs
- Placed on IR: T Mike Remmers
Las Vegas Raiders
- Promoted: S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, LB Patrick Onwuasor
Minnesota Vikings
- Placed on IR: DT Michael Pierce
- Promoted: S Myles Dorn, CB Tye Smith
New England Patriots
- Promoted: DL Tashawn Bower, TE Matt LaCosse
New York Jets
- Activated from IR: P Braden Mann, OL Conor McDermott
- Placed on IR: T Chuma Edoga
- Promoted: FB Nick Bawden, DE Ronald Blair, DE Hamilcar Rashed, TE Kenny Yeboah
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Promoted: WR Steven Sims
Seattle Seahawks
- Promoted: LB Tanner Muse
- Waived: TE Tyler Mabry
- Placed on IR: DB Marquise Blair (story)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Promoted: TE Darren Fells, WR Breshad Perriman
Tennessee Titans
- Activated from IR: CB Kristian Fulton
- Placed on IR: S Dane Cruikshank
- Promoted: LB Dylan Cole, WR Dez Fitzpatrick, NT Kyle Peko
Washington Football Team
- Promoted: DE Bunmi Rotimi