Packers sign offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins to 4-year contract extension

Green Bay's Elgton Jenkins has signed a contract extension that assures the Packers won't lose one of the NFL's most versatile offensive linemen to free agency.

The Packers announced the deal Friday. Terms weren't disclosed, but a person familiar with the situation says Jenkins received a four-year extension with a base value of $68 million US that could go up to $74 million.

"The team always told me — the coaches and the people upstairs — how much they liked me and how much they wanted me to be here, and I wanted to be here as well," Jenkins told reporters after the Packers' Friday afternoon practice. "So I felt like something was going to get done. The time just had to be right."

NFL Network and ESPN first reported the extension. Jenkins' contract had been set to expire at the end of the season.

"Since the moment he walked into the building, Elgton has been a core member of this franchise while displaying an uncommon versatility, unselfishness and toughness," Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said in a statement. "He's a tremendous leader and teammate, and he has earned everything that has come to him."

Jenkins has played his entire career with the Packers, who selected him out of Mississippi State in the second round of the 2019 draft.

The 2020 Pro Bowl selection has started multiple games at every position on the line other than right guard.

"I don't think there's a position up front he can't play," LaFleur said.

Jenkins primarily plays left guard, but he took over at left tackle for eight games last season to fill in for the injured David Bakhtiari. Jenkins played only those eight games last season before a torn anterior cruciate ligament knocked him out for the remainder of the year.

The knee injury caused Jenkins to miss the Packers' opening game this season, but he has started all 12 games in which he has played. He started at right tackle for his first five games and has played left guard in his seven games. He missed a game on Oct. 30 against Buffalo with a foot injury.

"It obviously took him a little bit for him going I would say this year, which is to be expected, but he's gotten better and better and better," LaFleur said. "I think you've seen that as of late. Each and every week, he seems to get a little bit better."

Jenkins has 33 career starts at left guard, eight at left tackle, six at right tackle and three at centre. His performance on the line helped the Packers win three straight NFC North titles from 2019-21.

The Packers (6-8) are seeking their third consecutive victory Sunday at Miami (8-6). The Packers probably will need to win their final three games and get plenty of help to earn a fourth straight playoff appearance.

Rams' Donald unlikely to return this season

Aaron Donald is unlikely to return to the Los Angeles Rams' defense this season.

Donald will miss his fourth straight game with a high ankle sprain Sunday when the Rams (4-10) host the Denver Broncos.

Coach Sean McVay admitted Friday that his seven-time All-Pro lineman and three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year isn't expected to play in the final two meaningless games of the Rams' disastrous Super Bowl title defence.

The 31-year-old Donald had never missed a game due to injury in his NFL career before this disappointing end to his ninth season. He has a career-low five sacks in 11 games, but was still named to his ninth Pro Bowl this week.

The Rams lost all but a mathematical hope of playoff contention during their recent six-game losing streak, yet they had been reluctant to rule out Donald for the season despite the obvious seriousness of his injury.

Donald apparently had been interested in attempting to return even for meaningless games with the Rams, who have matched the 1999 Denver Broncos for the most losses in NFL history by a defending champ.

"Obviously, he's a guy that has certainly earned the right where you talk to him" before ruling him out, McVay said of Donald.

Illinois RB Chase Brown enters NFL draft

Illinois running back Chase Brown has decided to skip the ReliaQuest Bowl and enter the NFL draft.

Brown had 1,643 yards rushing this season, tops among the Power Five conferences. He announced his future plans on Twitter on Friday.

Illinois (8-4) is scheduled to play No. 24 Mississippi State (8-4) on Jan. 2 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, in a matchup of Big Ten and Southeastern conference teams.

Brown will finish his career as the second leading rusher at Illinois with 3,558 yards, trailing Robert Holcombe (4,105 yards from 1994-97). His rushing yardage this season is third all-time at the school behind Mikel Leshoure (1,697 in 2010) and Rashard Mendenhall (1,681 yards in 2007). He set a school single-season record this year with 11 100-yard games.

Brown thanked his teammates for pushing him and his coaches for believing in him. He also thanked Illinois fans.

"Your dedication, passion, and love for this team are greatly appreciated. It has been an honour and a memorable experience to play for you all," he wrote. "I will always bleed orange & blue."