Matt LaFleur updates injuries to Elgton Jenkins, Marquez Valdez Scantling

After Wednesday’s practice, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur met with the media ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. LaFleur spoke on the availability of two of the Packers’ offensive players; tackle Elgton Jenkins and receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

“I would say that situation is going to take up the entire week to determine whether or not if he’s (Jenkins) going to be available… He (Valdes-Scantling) is in the same boat.”

Packers offensive line

In last Sunday night’s game against the San Francisco 49ers, the Packers were without Jenkins at left tackle. Jenkins had been injured the week before against the Detroit Lions. Heading into the game against the 49ers there was plenty of optimism that he would play but ended up being ruled out of the game on Saturday. That left the responsibilities of starting left tackle up to Yosh Nijman.

The Packers said heading into the game they had a plan in place if Jenkins was unable to go. That plan was a success as they gave up just one sack to the star-studded defensive line of San Francisco. The Packers line as a whole was impressive especially when you think about the fact that two rookies were already starting before Nijman made his first start.

LaFleur on Valdes-Scantling

In the fourth quarter against the 49ers receiver, Valdes-Scantling suffered an injury to his hamstring. He was a noticeable absence to Packers fans on their game-winning drive. The speedy receiver had three catches for 59 yards and one touchdown before leaving the game injured. LaFleur said that the Packers will take the cautious approach in helping Valdes-Scantling recover.

“Anytime you’re dealing with a soft tissue injury, you want to be cautious with that because you don’t want it to turn into a long term deal,” said LaFleur.

The Packers still have plenty of time to get both players ready for Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers are dealing with a few big injuries themselves early in the season. Green Bay is looking to make it three in a row after getting drummed by the New Orleans Saints in their season opener. LaFleur demonstrated last week that he can gameplan around the injuries the Packers are dealing with. But he certainly would prefer to have them both on the sideline ready to go, then sitting out Sunday.