David Bakhtiari expected to play vs Vikings
The left tackle will be back in the lineup for the first time since having an appendectomy in early December.
By PackerAaron
"I fully expect Dave to play,"
That was Packers head coach Matt LaFleur in response to the possibility of his starting left tackle being able to take the field on Sunday afternoon.
David Bakhtiari has been through the wringer health-wise over the course of the last three season, but he will be ready to battle Vikings pass rushers Danielle Hunter and Za'Darius Smith on Sunday.
The team is also expecting starting right tackle Yosh Nijman to play against the Vikings despite dealing with a shoulder injury that required him to leave last Sunday's game in Miami.
LaFleur indicated that wide receiver Christian Watson and returner Keisean Nixon would work with the training staff today and possibly be able to practice. Their availability for Sunday's game remains in doubt.
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Comments (5)
BirdDogUni
December 30, 2022 at 12:05 pm
Coming back from an appendectomy.
He's been a great Packer.
PackyCheese500
December 30, 2022 at 12:17 pm
It's good that Nijman and Bakhtiari are both playing. Both are top-10 Tackles. I wouldn't rush Nixon or Watson back; better to not play them and not risk any longer-term injury.
I would be especially cautions with Nixon because returner can be one of the riskiest positions in football. Perhaps Bo Melton can help fill in for the absence of Nixon, Watson, or both. Maybe Toure gets more snaps.
Regardless, because of the WR injuries, I want more rushing!
packer132
December 30, 2022 at 07:13 pm
Bakhtiari has been solid for many years with the Packers. In his first 7 years he missed 6 games. The knee injury was very severe and then he had the appendectomy. He is signed for 2 more years, and I would think the team works out a restructured contract after the season. Hopefully he still has a couple of years left, as he is a force when the knee is healthy. Green Bay has done a nice job with the offensive line in the last 10 years and is usually ranked near the top in the NFL. You are going to lose players due to injury or salary, like Linsley, Taylor, Turner. Drafting 9 O linemen in the last 3 years has been huge, as the draft is a crap shoot. The Packers draft near the bottom every year due to their good record but 2023 will be different. A core group of Jenkins, Runyan, Myers, Nijman, and Tom should be solid for the next few years. I am still for drafting a tackle or guard in the middle rounds almost every year. I hope for a strong finish against the Vikings and the off season will be here too soon. Go Pack.
Leatherhead
January 01, 2023 at 06:12 pm
According to spotrac.com, we really don't save a lot of money from cutting or trading Bakhtiari. I wouldn't rule out him being on the team next year.
Segarslautersnb
January 05, 2023 at 09:14 am
David Bakhtiari expected to play vs. Vikings after missing four weeks with an injury. #Packers