Cheese Curds, 8/4: How will Packers’ offensive line shape up for week one?

One thing is all but assured: Josh Myers should be the Green Bay Packers’ starting center on day one. That’s not just our impressions any more, but those of the head coach as well. Combined with Lucas Patrick effectively locked in at right guard, two of the starting spots are likely set. But that means the other three are still up in the air.

One possibility is that David Bakhtiari returns in time for week one. That still seems unlikely, as it would mean he comes back from a torn ACL in just over nine months, but the possibility remains. But if he is unavailable for week one, that means that some combination of Elgton Jenkins, Billy Turner, and Dennis Kelly would likely man the tackle positions.

Meanwhile, at left guard, Jon Runyan and Ben Braden have been splitting first-team reps with Jenkins out at tackle. One of those two players should be the starter if Jenkins indeed starts on the outside in week one.

With all of those things in mind, here are the possible starting combinations, from left to right, as we see them right now barring any injuries in training camp:

• Elgton Jenkins, Jon Runyan, Jr., Myers, Lucas Patrick, Billy Turner
• Jenkins, Ben Braden, Myers, Patrick, Turner
• Turner, Jenkins, Myers, Patrick, Dennis Kelly
• Bakhtiari, Jenkins, Myers, Patrick, Turner

While nothing is assured, this writer would bet on the starting line in week one being one of those four combinations. In today’s curds, we look at Bakhtiari discussing his progress, Matt LaFleur’s comments on his young center, and much more.

David Bakhtiari isn’t kidding around with his rehab | Packers.com
Sure, the All-Pro had some fun with Dennis Kelly on the new arrival's first day, but he's taking his rehab from a torn ACL seriously. A week one return is still on the table, though he remains on the PUP list for now.

Matt LaFleur confirms Packers rookie Josh Myers is ‘likely starter’ at center | Packers Wire
It would come as a bigger surprise if Myers doesn't start in week one than if he does, based on his play so far and LaFleur's comments.

SnackGate is over, David Bakhtiari update and one-on-one winners – The Athletic (subscription)
The pads went on for Tuesday's practice, and 1-on-1s got underway. Meanwhile, Eric Stokes made a trip to Target and bought "like a lot of snacks" for the cornerback room, so he's all good with Jaire Alexander now.

Packers' slot question: Aaron Rodgers' 'dear friend' Randall Cobb or rookie Amari Rodgers? - ESPN
We expect Cobb to get the bulk of the work from the slot this year, with Rodgers as a rotational option. Interestingly, he got more targets than any other Packers receiver from 2011 to 2018 -- even more than Jordy Nelson, though 87 missed one full season to a torn ACL and was cut before 2018.

Packers embracing diversity from the executive board to the field | Green Bay Press-Gazette
Many companies are pushing for more diversity in their boardrooms, and the Packers are doing the same. Mark Murphy is reportedly a big driver for this, and the Packers now have a woman in the role of lead director for the first time.

Plague-infected chipmunks force closures around Lake Tahoe | TheHill
The U.S. Forest Service is so concerned about the plagued rodents that they have closed down multiple buildings and public sites to try to limit the possible spread to humans. Naturally this is happening, since 2021 needs a new crazy disease of its own.