Training Camp Report: Jenkins Picks Up Where He Left Off

Defensive end Cullen Jenkins was off to perhaps the best start of his career last year before a pectoral injury cut short his season in Week 4, and he looks to carry that over into 2009 as he and the rest of the defense make the adjustment to the new 3-4 scheme.

Jenkins, who was limited throughout the offseason to the jog-through portions of workouts, participated fully Saturday in the opening training camp practice at right defensive end with the No. 1 unit, and made his presence felt right away.

“He was in our backfield a bunch on offense, so Cullen doesn’t look like he has missed a beat,” Head Coach Mike McCarthy said. “It’s good to have him back. He looked good today.”

In the first four games of 2008, Jenkins posted 18 tackles and 2 1/2 sacks before seeing his season come to an end at Tampa Bay in the fourth quarter when he tore a pectoral muscle attempting to bring down quarterback Brian Griese for a sack. Jenkins was placed on injured reserve Oct. 1 and had surgery the next day. He also underwent offseason ankle surgery.

“It was an unfortunate incident, but you just try to look at it as what positive could I take from it or how could I improve from the situation,” Jenkins said. “I just tried to get a little stronger and maybe change some habits, flexibility, strength, just look at things like that.

“I feel like I have my quickness. I’ve been working out earlier in the summer and I had my trainer with me. I felt quick. I’d say the only thing I need to improve on right now would be my flexibility. I feel good, but you’ve got to convert that to the game situations.”

Jenkins will be taking on a slightly different role in the 3-4, with defensive ends called upon more to take on blocks to allow the linebackers to be the play-makers.

“In some of the situations it becomes less of an attack-type mode, and you have to be smart and make sure you are playing your responsibility for the rest of the defense,” Jenkins said. “At other times you get to go back into the attack mode.”

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