I need to travel outside canada as well
You can return to Canada without a valid PR Card, but
not if your are returning via a commercial carrier (unless you hold a U.S Passport). Entering at a land PoE in a personal vehicle is an option, so long as you can enter the U.S., obviously. Your expired PR card can be used with CBSA but you would likely be sent to Secondary to explain why you have not renewed your card, while the officer may or may not dig into whether or not you have met the Residency Obligation.
Are you able to check the progress of your application online, or at least submit a web form?