After spending 960 days in the AFL wilderness, versatile defender Andy Otten has suddenly developed into an important factor for the Crows.

A rib injury to forward Josh Jenkins will mean Otten spends time in the ruck supporting Sam Jacobs in Saturday night's top-of-the-table Showdown with Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.

Jacobs and Otten will contend with athletic Power big men Paddy Ryder, Charlie Dixon and Jackson Trengove.

Otten, 27, was a regular in Adelaide's backline until he suffered a serious knee injury against the Brisbane Lions in round 20, 2014.

After recovering from the torn anterior cruciate ligament, Otten spent last year in the SANFL and was unable to force his way back into the senior side.

He returned for the Round One victory against Greater Western Sydney when he played his customary role in defence.

But against Hawthorn last week, he was thrown into the forward line after the injury to Jenkins while also helping Jacobs out in the ruck.

"It's been really pleasing for Andy," Crows coach Don Pyke said.

"He was a little bit frustrated towards the end of last year because of a lack of opportunity, but he worked really hard in the off-season.

"He's getting the reward for that work.

"We had to flick him forward last week after Josh went down and he performed as we expected he would for a guy with his level of experience and a guy who understands the game."

Jacobs will command most of the minutes in the ruck, but the Crows will not be afraid to throw the 194cm Otten into the action.

"It's going to be a challenge for Andy and he'll do some of the ruck work as well," Pyke said.

"Sam was in great form last week and he generally rucks very high minutes.

"For the time Andy is in there, he'll compete and we'll adjust accordingly."

Otten's contribution to the Crows' attack in the second half against the Hawks – including kicking a goal – wasn't a shock to assistant coach Scott Camporeale.

"He actually runs really smart patterns as a forward," Camporeale said.

"He sees the game really well and sometimes that happens; defenders who then go back and play forward are actually better.

"We love Andy's communication, the way he sets up guys, the way he competes and his ruck work was at the level for a guy of his size."