Earlier in the week, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur wasn’t sure about offensive tackle David Bakhtiari's status for the Week 3. Before Thursday’s practice, LaFleur wasn’t sure if Bakhtiari would participate in practice or not.
Bakhtiari missed all but the last regular-season game during the 2021 season after suffering an ACL tear in December 2020. Bakhtiari wasn’t placed on the team’s IR list before the season, but he's yet to play a single snap.
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 of Fox 11.
Last week, the video that leaked of 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.
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