Packers Give Encouraging Update For OL David Bakhtiari Friday

David Bakhtiari would be a massive help on Sunday if he can play

The Green Bay Packers offensive line struggled in Week One sans their starting tackles David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins. Bakhtiari was a non-participant in Thursday’s practice, and Jenkins was a limited participant. That seemed to indicate the pair might not start against the Chicago Bears in Week Two.

The Packers’ injury report read much longer than the Bears’ Thursday. The team has been beaten up since before training camp. The injuries took their toll in the Packers’ 23-7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings last week. The offensive line was exceedingly terrible, giving up four sacks. It was unclear to Packers staff this week who would be starting against the Bears. Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said Sunday’s lineup would be a “fun surprise.”

The Packers offered a glimmer of hope Friday that Bakhtiari might be able to play in Week Two. Per Zach Jacobson of CBS Sports, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said Bakhtiari is participating in 11-on-11 drills during the Friday practice.

David Bakhtiari is going to take some 11-on-11 reps in today’s practice, per Matt LaFleur. He wouldn’t be participating in team drills if the Packers feel he had a setback or reached a stagnant spot in his recovery.

— zach jacobson (@itszacharyj) September 16, 2022

Bakhtiari needs to have a good practice

This development is much better than what was released on Thursday’s injury report. Hopefully, Bakhtiari can have a productive practice for the Packers. If he can take reps without aggravating his injury and still be an effective blocker, the Packers could have another option for their offensive line Sunday.

Reports of how Bakhtiari does in practice will be something to keep an eye on. But just having him participating in 11-on-11 drills is exciting news for the Packers’ star lineman.