Justin

Harrell

Jenkins will become an unrestricted free agent in 2011. The Packers drafted defensive ends Mike Neal in the second round and C.J. Wilson in the seventh, preparing for the departure of Jenkins and 2007 first-round bust Justin Harrell. Jenkins, though, is still one of the game’s top 3-4 right ends. He could be a candidate for the franchise tag next offseason.

Harrell missed the entire 2009 season with back injuries that derailed his career. Coach Mike McCarthy believes that Harrell has finally “turned the corner,” however. If so, he’ll contribute as a rotational lineman this year.

His never-ending back injuries have frustrated the Packers, and the recent switch of B.J. Raji to nose tackle has created more depth at defensive end. Harrell currently appears to be sixth on the depth chart at end, behind Cullen Jenkins, Ryan Pickett, rookie Mike Neal, Johnny Jolly, and Jairus Wynn. Harrell may have to show versatility at nose tackle to make the club.

The first-round pick hasn’t participated in team drills at minicamps or Organized Team Activities but should be ready in time for training camp.

He sat out Green Bay’s just-concluded minicamp.

“He had an offensive lineman roll up on the back of his legs,” coach Mike McCarthy said. Harrell was finally active and starting to see some playing time after sitting out the first four games, so this is a big setback for the rookie. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, there’s a chance that he could be placed on season-ending injured reserve to make room on the roster for Koren Robinson.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel quotes one player as saying that Harrell didn’t suffer a knee injury, but “bumped his leg pretty good.”

Donald Lee makes for a very solid fantasy play Monday night against the Broncos, who haven’t been as great against tight ends this year as they usually are. DT Justin Harrell (ankle) will also miss the game.

He’ll send Corey Williams, who is in a contract year and coming off a seven-sack campaign, to the bench. Harrell is a run-stopping machine but unlikely to best Williams in the pass-rushing department. Expect both to play often.

Williams, who had a breakout seven-sack campaign in 2006, is in a contract year, so he can’t be happy about this. The Pack is still working to sign Harrell.