If the Green Bay Packers are going to improve to 2-0 in the Jordan Love era, they’re going to have to do it without some key players.
The Packers released their inactives list ahead of Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, and it has now been confirmed that running back Aaron Jones, left tackle David Bakhtiari and receiver Christian Watson are all OUT for the NFC matchup.
Packers Week 2 Inactives
RB Aaron Jones
S Zayne Anderson
Watson remains out after missing the 38-20 Week 1 victory over the Chicago Bears last Sunday with a hamstring injury. Jones, who paced Green Bay with 127 total yards in Week 1, is inactive after suffering a hamstring injury of his own against Chicago.
AJ Dillon will receive the sixth start of his career in place of Jones, while the Packers will rely on Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed among others in the passing game.
David Bakhtiari set to miss another game for Packers
But the real surprise, however, is Bakhtiari, listed as questionable on the injury report this week. The two-time All-Pro played in Week 1 after suiting up in just 12 games over the past two seasons combined. Having undergone multiple procedures on his knee in recent years, it’s fair to question if the location of Sunday’s game played a role in him being inactive.
The game will take place from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta — one of 15 stadiums in the NFL with artificial turf. Bakhtiari spoke out against artificial turf surfaces after former teammate and New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles in Week 1 at MetLife Stadium Monday.
“Congrats @nfl. How many more players have to get hurt on ARTIFICIAL TURF??!” Bakhtiari tweeted. “You care more about soccer players than us. You plan to remove all artificial turf for the World Cup coming up. So clearly it’s feasible. I’m sick of this..Do better!”
With Bakhtiari sidelined, 2022 seventh-round pick Rasheed Walker will be entrusted in protecting Love’s blindside.
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