Packers LT David Bakhtiari will practice Wednesday
Green Bay Packers All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari will return to the practice field on Wednesday. It will be Bakhtiari’s first time rejoining his teammates out on the field since tearing his ACL on New Year’s Eve. The Packers are not sure when Bakhtiari will be ready to play, but it is unlikely that he will suit up this week against the Washington Football Team.
“I think it’s something that we’ll take day by day,” said head coach Matt LaFleur.
According to LaFleur, Wednesday’s practice is primarily a walk-through, which will allow Bakhtiari to ease back into things. During OTAs and training camp, Bakhtiari was seen doing individual rehab work off to the side. When he was able to speak to the media, he was always positive about his progress. This week, he will get to show just how far he’s come.
Bakhtiari is still on Green Bay’s physically unable to perform list, however, he can practice even it means he won’t play. The Packers have three weeks to activate him to their 53-man roster.
Less than two weeks before the injury, Green Bay made Bakhtiari the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history at the time. While protecting Aaron Rodgers’ blindside, Bakhtiari has been invaluable during his eight seasons. He has been named to three Pro Bowls and is a two-time first team All-Pro.
The Packers have managed just fine without Bakhtiari in their starting lineup. Elgton Jenkins started three games at the left tackle spot, with Green Bay going 2-1 during that stretch. When Jenkins suffered an ankle injury in Week 2 against the Detroit Lions, third-stringer Yosh Nijman replaced Jenkins and did a solid job.
The fact that the Packers have two capable backups means Bakhtiari will not be rushed into making his return. The team has done well to start the season 5-1 and is about to face a 2-4 Washington Team. Most importantly, the Packers want Bakhtiari to be more than ready when he makes his 2021 debut.
“We want to make sure that, No. 1, physically his knee is in great shape and he’s not at further risk of doing more damage to it,” LaFleur said Monday. And also I think there’s a confidence factor that you develop by playing football, whether that’s in practice, so there is a ramp-up period.”
Perhaps Bakhtiari can return for Week 8 when Green Bay Faces the undefeated Arizona Cardinals.
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Matt LaFleur provides injury updates for several Packers players
