Packers LB Rashan Gary excited to watch Kingsley Enagbare in Year 2

Green Bay Packers linebacker Rashan Gary is nearing his return to play after an ACL injury took him out after Week 9 last season. As excited as he is to get back into the action, he’s also thrilled to be getting back into the swing of things with his teammates.

On Tuesday, Gary discussed the growth he’s seen from his understudy, Kingsley “JJ” Enagbare since he stepped up to replace him as a rookie.

“JJ from day one, when he walked in, to JJ now is completely different,” Gary said. “His confidence, his understanding of schemes, and his understanding of the offensive linemen’s sets of how they want to block him and what he wants the offensive lineman to do is completely next level compared to when he came in, and I’m just happy for his progression and his growth.”

Prior to his season-ending injury, Gary had 32 tackles, seven tackles for loss, six sacks, and 12 quarterback hits on the season. He has also added one pass defended, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

After Gary’s injury, Enagbare came in to save the day. He closed out the season for the Packers with the most pressures on the team over the last eight games.

Enagbare heading for breakout season

The former fifth-round pick out of South Carolina is off to a hot start this year as well. In the Packers’ preseason game versus the New England Patriots, Enagbare posted two sacks. He also turned one sack into a forced fumble and recovery.

“Last year, I was kind of bull-rush, bull-rush, bull-rush, and now, knowing I can win with power and knowing how I can set things up off the power, I’m able to win in different ways,” Enagbare said after the game.

Enagbare put together a successful collegiate career for the Gamecocks – totaling 121 tackles over four seasons with the program. Enagbare had a strong season in 2021, as he made 44 tackles to go along with 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble.

After the draft, he kept up the success with the Packers. As a rookie, he posted 31 tackles with three sacks in 17 games played.

The former Gamecock is playing for Green Bay on a four-year deal worth $3.9 million. He’s going on year two of his rookie deal. His contract doesn’t have a fifth-year extension so unless the Packers trade him early, he’s locked in through 2025.