Good signs seem to point David Bakhtiari’s way
Green Bay Packers Head coach Matt LaFleur wasn’t sure about the Week 3 starting status of offensive tackle David Bakhtiari earlier in the week. Before Thursday’s practice, LaFleur wasn’t sure if Bakhtiari would participate in practice or not.
Matt LaFleur on David Bakhtiari not practicing yesterday: “We’re just trying to figure everything out in terms of what works best for him and us.”
Is he practicing today?
“We’ll see.”
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) September 22, 2022
David Bakhtiari’s return has been on the minds of the Packers for a while. He missed all but the last regular season game during the 2021 season after sustaining an ACL tear in Dec. 2020. Bakhtiari wasn’t placed on the team’s IR list before the season, but he hasn’t played a snap of the regular season so far.
The Packers may have him back for their Week 3 contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Bakhtiari was seen at practice Thursday in drills. A video of Bakhtiari participating in drills was released on Twitter by Nicole Menner with Fox 11 News.
Here's a look at #Packers David Bakhtiari practicing today after missing yesterday. pic.twitter.com/ft9NHngTvc
— Nicole Menner (@NicoleMenner) September 22, 2022
Bakhtiari’s rehabilitation progress looks better this week
Last week, the video that leaked of David Bakhtiari’s practice didn’t appear to flatter the Packers’ best offensive lineman when healthy. Thursday’s clip stands in stark contrast. Bakhtiari looks much better, popping out of his stance to block, and he isn’t hobbling back to get ready for the next drill.
His presence would be helpful for the Packers in Week 3. Wednesday’s injury report shows the Packers’ offense has been hit hard by injuries heading into this week. The Packers would benefit significantly by having Bakhtiari to bolster the Packers’ pass protection, which has been a problem in the early going this season.
The Packers will likely rely on their rushing attack this week against the Buccaneers. Bakhtiari, before his injury, was rated high in run blocking in addition to his stellar pass blocking. He could help make the difference in a matchup that could be a preview of the NFC Championship.