David Bakhtiari, Offensive Tackle for the Packers has returned and did not skip a beat coming back. It has been a long and arduous journey returning from a torn ACL in December of 2020. However, when asked in the locker room after the game how he was feeling, he said he was “pumped full of adrenaline.”
Bakhtiari did not play a full share of snaps as he split snaps with backup Yosh Nijman, handling 34 of the Packers’ 60 total offensive snaps. Between the two of them, they only allowed one pressure in the game. In the post game interview with Bakhtiari, he commends Yosh for the work he has done in relieving his absence. Going forward, we are eager to see the usage and if these two continue splitting snaps.
Can this continue?
The main question comes down to health when talking about Bakhtiari. He did return last season in week 18 against the Detroit Lions, only to miss Green Bay’s playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers shortly after. Already in his return, Bakhtiari received the highest pass blocking grade among Packers offensive linemen. A game where Aaron Rodgers only took one sack, he must be happy to have his friend back and well protecting his blind side.
It will be important to monitor his status in the upcoming days and weekly throughout the season. Overall, this was a step in the right direction for this Packers offense. Bakhtiari’s role as a pass blocker will help determine a lot of Rodgers success as the season continues.
David Bakhtiari received the highest pass blocking grade among #Packers offensive linemen in week three, per @PFF.
— Brandon Carwile (@PackerScribe) September 26, 2022
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