David Bakhtiari Replaces Bryan Bulaga at Left Tackle on Packers Offensive Line
When it was learned Bryan Bulaga tore an ACL in his knee, attention has turned to who would replace him on the Packers offensive line.
Bulaga has yet to be officially declared out for the season, but for the time being rookie David Bakhtiari will take Bulaga's spot at left tackle and did so with the first-team offense at training camp practice on Tuesday.
"David is going to get a chance to play left tackle right now," said head coach Mike McCarthy. "He's a young player, and I think having the opportunity to just sit in one position and play that position solely will help him. He definitely has the ability. I think he's shown that, particularly in the spring. I have no questions about his skill set. Very smart. I think he had one mental error all of training camp."
There was some thought that perhaps the Packers would move Marshall Newhouse back to left tackle where he's played for much of the past two seasons, but that hasn't happened so far.
Newhouse is staying at his current spot on the right side of the offensive line but would likely become the top backup at left tackle should anything happen to Bakhtiari.
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Comments (7)
August 07, 2013 at 08:38 am
Absolutely the correct move. I like the part where MM talked about putting him there and leaving him there. I have always hated the 'musical lineman' thing he did. Put them in one position and make them masters of it.
August 07, 2013 at 10:29 am
the problem with putting players in one position and having them master it is that you need back-ups at each position, and the pack will probably carry on their roster no more than 8 offensive linemen, which means that two positions wouldnt have back-ups if you didnt have players playing multiple postions. come game day, league rule dictates that the entire team cannot dress for the game, so, usually, unless there are numerous injuries, one of those offensive linemen on a team are sitting out the game. hence, cross-training is necessary. besides that, it creates more competition for more positions. if the packers had decided that bulaga had left tackle sewn up and wouldnt need another left tackle, they would be in a world of hurt after he got injured. the idea is to get the best 5 out there, and often that is a result of cross-training
August 07, 2013 at 10:34 am
In theory I agree. Cross-training is important for backups. But for a guy like Bakhtiari, they need him to be their LT and can't be wasting time playing him at other positions. For a guy like Barclay, while I don't love how much they're moving him around, I understand the necessity.
August 07, 2013 at 09:05 am
It's just a matter of time before Bakhtiari starts getting reps at center, then right guard, then left guard, then over at right tackle... McCarthy just won't be able to help himself.
Heard Barclay has now been getting more RT reps and less reps inside. This tells me that before Bulaga's injury the Packers had already decided that Bakhtiari was going to be the RT, Newhouse was going to back him up, and Barclay was going to be the inside backup. Now that Bakh's over on the left side, Barclay's gotta go compete with Newhouse.
Who's going to backup the inside?
Van Roten?
August 07, 2013 at 09:30 am
I suppose cow. I suppose. Just be glad our 4th rounder is a player
August 07, 2013 at 10:25 pm
And for the love of all that is holy let's not melt down the first time the kid gives up a sack.
August 08, 2013 at 10:36 am
I wonder what Sherrod thinks of MM's comment? MM moved him around as a rookie and without OTA's. That was dumb.