A starting David Bakhtiari is a good sign for the Packers
The Green Bay Packers got a boost to their offensive line in Week 3. Offensive tackle David Bakhtiari was able to play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Following the Packers’ 14-12 win over the Buccaneers, Bakhtiari’s name was still on the injury report.
Bakhtiari participated in the Packers’ light practice on Wednesday while being on the report. Thursday, he did not practice. According to Packers beat reporter Tom Silverstein, head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters Friday that his practice schedule and intensity can change by the week.
LaFleur said that with LT David Bakhtiari there may be weeks he practices in pads and weeks he doesn't. He said it's partially up to him and partially up to the training staff. "It's like the wind," he said. "It can change week to week."
— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) September 30, 2022
LaFleur said in the press conference it was his goal to help Bakhtari get to the point where he could play a complete game.
Bakhtiari’s injury update took a turn
Reports from Packers practice Friday seemed to be in David Bakhtiari’s favor. He and several other previously injured players were able to participate in practice. Following practice, the Packers revealed a new injury report that clarified Bakhtiari’s future status. Per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Bakhtiari has been taken off the Packers’ injury report.
Pretty significant: #Packers All-Pro LT David Bakhtiari is off the injury report. A sign of good health.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 30, 2022
This is massive news for Bakhtiari and the Packers. It appears the All-Pro tackle has finally made a successful rehab from a nearly two-year injury. The Packers should be able to keep Bakhtiari in the game much more than he did against the Buccaneers. Bakhtiari was the highest graded Packers offensive lineman in Week 3, but he only played in 35 of the team’s 62 offensive snaps.
It would appear with Bakhtari entirely off the injury report that he would play a full game if he can stay healthy. That would help solidify a Packers pass-blocking unit that has struggled without him this season. Bakhtiari’s play against the Patriots this Sunday will be more telling about his health.
