Title: Packers OL Elgton Jenkins Escorted Off Field After Brawls with Bengals
Introduction:
In a joint practice between the Green Bay Packers and the Cincinnati Bengals, tensions escalated as two separate brawls broke out. The Packers’ left guard, Elgton Jenkins, found himself involved in both altercations, resulting in his removal from the field. This article will delve into the details of the incidents, the reactions from players and coaches, and the impact on the upcoming preseason game.
Heading 1: Jenkins Sparks Brawls in Joint Practice
Heading 2: First Brawl Erupts with Germaine Pratt
During a run by Aaron Jones, Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt shoved Elgton Jenkins to the ground, igniting a skirmish between the Packers’ starting offense and the Bengals’ starting defense. Jenkins took exception to the shove, leading to a heated exchange between the two teams.
Heading 2: Second Brawl Involving DJ Reader
After being pulled from the initial brawl, Jenkins returned in the next competitive period and targeted Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader. Jenkins appeared to take a swing at Reader away from the play, resulting in his removal from the practice field by a Packers staff member.
Heading 1: Reactions from Players and Coaches
Heading 2: DJ Reader’s Comments
DJ Reader, the Bengals’ defensive tackle, expressed his lack of familiarity with Jenkins and downplayed his accomplishments. Reader acknowledged Jenkins’ two Pro Bowl selections but dismissed his significance, stating that blocking for Aaron Rodgers does not make him a standout player.
Heading 2: David Bakhtiari Defends Jenkins
Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari came to Jenkins’ defense, stating that he was in the right during the first incident. Bakhtiari emphasized that emotions can run high during practice but believed that Jenkins would not exhibit such behavior during a game. He acknowledged that there were no consequences for actions during practice, leading to a different atmosphere.
Heading 2: Pratt’s Perspective
Germaine Pratt, the Bengals’ linebacker involved in the initial brawl, claimed that it was nothing personal and merely part of the game. He downplayed the incident, emphasizing that it was a result of the intensity and competitiveness of football.
Heading 1: Impact on Jordan Love and Preseason Game
Heading 2: Love’s Experience
The first brawl unfolded in front of Packers’ quarterback Jordan Love, who was making his first appearance as the team’s starter in a joint practice. Love managed to stay away from the altercation, ensuring he did not risk injury. Despite the incident, Love expressed his intention to play “a couple of series” in the upcoming preseason game against the Bengals.
Heading 2: Coach LaFleur’s Assessment
Packers coach Matt LaFleur had initially planned to evaluate the joint practice before deciding on Love’s participation in the preseason game. The brawls likely influenced his decision, and he may exercise caution to protect his starting quarterback.
Conclusion:
The joint practice between the Green Bay Packers and Cincinnati Bengals turned chaotic as Elgton Jenkins found himself involved in two separate brawls. While tensions ran high during the practice, players and coaches acknowledged the difference between practice and game situations. The incidents will undoubtedly impact the decision-making process for the Packers’ coaching staff regarding Jordan Love’s playing time in the upcoming preseason game.