I would feel a lot more comfortable about our playoff chances with either:
[list=1][*]Linsley back at Center and Jenkins at Left Guard; or[*]Runyan at Left Guard[/list]To that end, does anyone know:[list][*]Linsley's rehab progress, i.e. might he be ready to go for the playoffs....does and MCL sprain bounce back that quickly?)[*]With the IR rules this year, IIRC he CAN return for the playoffs, just like Thomas for the Saints[/list]Any insights appreciated...is this correct?

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I'd agree that a 100% healthy Linsley @ Center would be the preferred case, but I'd also like to hear the case against Jenkins. IMO, he has done great at what is not his true best O-Line position. Additionally, the entire O-Line has each week played as a tighter and more cohesive unit as the players gain field experience with each other.

I too want all injured Packers to return to their former status, but rushing players to "heal" is against nature and smacks of a win at any cost attitude and only serves to endanger players that are not truly ready to safely return.

The Packers are doing great, although at times I do wonder if natural aggressiveness is sometimes replaced with a coast to victory mode. I say never take the foot off the gas, but the Packers do just that at times. Poor play calling weather Offensive or Defensive should not be blamed upon players executing against opponents that have the play/s read out ahead of time.

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I couldn’t agree more on rushing players back. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Jenkins is a hell of a lot better left guard than Patrick at LG IMO.

That is why I am interested in how well Linsley’s rehab is going and whether or not he can return.

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Teams, the Packers included, play their cards very close to the vest when it comes to injuries. It is and most likely will ever be the case that teams closely guard their players medical files. I might suggest this though, as many on this site live in Green Bay or nearby, that perhaps a local radio call in show might be more informed and could shine a brighter light on Linsley's case. -_-

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With the currently 2020 only rules, a players can come back from IR after missing 3 games (not weeks, games), so Linsley should be eligible to return for the 1st playoff game.

To my naked eye, I'd say Patrick is clearly the weaknesses on our OL, though PFF says he's not doing that much worse than Jenkins, and Runyan is clearly behind everyone.

I'm not sure, but I believe the Panthers might have figured out they could show clear run defense, and pin their ears back and go full pass rush out of it, knowing darn well Rodgers would audible out of any run... basically show a fake look and Rodgers will play it smart, and use that against him. Anyways that's what I took out of LaFleur's post comments of not calling enough run plays and Rodgers opting out of them on RPOs, and the Panthers getting a great pass rush on us out of no where.

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While it is not totally in line with the OP, I have to give the OL coaches a major props for what they have accomplished so far this season, juggling lineups weekly and still providing production at a high level. Stenavich, Butkus and company are doing what Campen couldn't do with a consistent group week in and week out, year in and year out.

Coaching matters.

Back to topic, Linsley looks like he will be back which should shift maybe the group's MVP or maybe even the Team's MVP back to guard. Jenkins is a special player...

I think what this group has accomplished this season bodes well for the playoffs where attrition and making adjustments is vital.

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While it is not totally in line with the OP, I have to give the OL coaches a major props for what they have accomplished so far this season, juggling lineups weekly and still providing production at a high level. Stenavich, Butkus and company are doing what Campen couldn't do with a consistent group week in and week out, year in and year out.

Coaching matters.

Back to topic, Linsley looks like he will be back which should shift maybe the group's MVP or maybe even the Team's MVP back to guard. Jenkins is a special player...

I think what this group has accomplished this season bodes well for the playoffs where attrition and making adjustments is vital.

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https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2020/12/22/packers-designate-c-corey-linsley-for-return-from-ir/ 

Agree with Smokey, don't rush him back, but lets get him back. Further, every week off also should help the back situation.

Regardless, it certainly looks like he will be ready for the playoffs, which is a big upgrade for the OL

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