Packers' Elgton Jenkins says he's OK with his position switch and believes he can thrive at center

Packers' Jenkins Embraces Center Shift: "Sky's the Limit"

Green Bay Star Committed to Success Despite Contract Questions

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Elgton Jenkins isn't sweating his contract status as he transitions from guard to center for the Green Bay Packers.

"Right now, it’s just (about) being the best player I can be, being the best teammate,” Jenkins said Monday. “Like I said, man, I know what I’m going to do this season. I’m confident in my ability, very confident in it. So just going out there playing ball, keep doing what I’ve been doing and it’s going to take care of itself.”

Jenkins' move comes after the Packers signed Aaron Banks to fill his former left guard position. The change sees Jenkins taking over for Josh Myers, who spent the last three seasons as Green Bay's starting center before signing with the New York Jets in March.

Back Issue and Family Concerns: A Brief Setback

While confident in his new role, Jenkins did acknowledge a recent back issue stemming from a weightlifting injury earlier this offseason. He practiced on a limited basis Monday for the first time since training camp began. The injury also kept him from participating in Green Bay’s mandatory minicamp last month, though he was present.

Jenkins explained his absence from Packers' organized team activities (OTAs) this offseason was due to family matters, not any hesitation about the position change.

"I’m having changes in my family right now, so I wanted to spend more time with them," Jenkins said. “And it so happened that came up, so it was just, like, it was better for me to spend time with my family this offseason.”

Open to Change, Contract Discussions Ongoing

Jenkins revealed he initially took some time to consider the position switch when approached by General Manager Brian Gutekunst.

"When he asked me the first time, I was like, ‘Yeah, let me think on it,’” Jenkins said. “I thought about it for a little while and he called again and I was like ‘Yeah, I’ll do it.’”

Discussions between Jenkins' representatives and Packers officials regarding the contract implications of the position change are ongoing. Jenkins has two years remaining on his four-year, $68 million contract extension signed in December 2022.

From Guard to Center: A Successful Transition?

The Packers and Jenkins believe he can thrive at center. He played center for 26 of his 34 career starts during his college career at Mississippi State. While primarily playing left guard in the NFL, Jenkins has also started four games at center, eight at left tackle and six at right tackle. His most recent start at center came in a loss to the Detroit Lions on Nov. 3 last season when Myers was sidelined with a wrist injury.

"I feel like the sky’s the limit, honestly," Jenkins said. "I can be an All-Pro, Pro Bowl, same guy — probably even better, honestly. We’re just going to see.”