Matt LaFleur: David Bakhtiari did “great work” at practice, Packers discuss playing him Sunday

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The Packers may finally get left tackle David Bakhtiari back on the field on Sunday.

He has already returned to the practice field, more than a year after suffering a torn ACL, and coach Matt LaFleur said Bakhtiari looked excellent.

“Dave had great work yesterday,” LaFleur said today.

LaFleur said the plan is for Bakhtiari to work only on his conditioning today and then practice with the offense again tomorrow, and that Bakhtiari playing in Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Lions is “part of the discussion.”

The Packers have already clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC and the bye week that comes with it, which means that if they want to, they could give Bakhtiari another couple weeks before he faces live game action in the playoffs. But they may want to let him shake off some rust on Sunday against the Lions in a game that doesn’t really mean anything, just so he can be more confident heading into the postseason.

Either way, it’s remarkable that the Packers’ great offense may even get better in the postseason, with the addition of one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL.

7 responses to “Matt LaFleur: David Bakhtiari did “great work” at practice, Packers discuss playing him Sunday

  1. I trust LaFleur will give him some reps sparingly on a.snap count to avoid re-injury As a ProBowler he’s chomping at the bit.. Good to see ProBowl players return after all this Covid crap devastating rosters.

  2. Yeah, work him in selectively. He needs some live work to get ready for potential playoff action. How about Lucas? What is his status? Jaire?

  3. Save him for next year. It’ll be like getting an experienced No.1 draft pick for free.

  4. *********************
    rho1953 says:
    January 6, 2022 at 1:59 pm
    Yeah, work him in selectively. He needs some live work to get ready for potential playoff action. How about Lucas? What is his status? Jaire?
    **********************

    Lucas Patrick? He’s been at center for 11 games. You mean Meyers? He’s been designated to return from IR. Jaire was close to returning to game action but went on the COVID list this week. He’s back for the playoffs for sure. Jaire, Stokes and Douglas. Whoooo!!!!

  5. I’d like to see Bakhtiari at LT for 2 or 3 series. Let him get the rust off of his technique. I have to say though,… Nijman has played well at LT in Davids absence. I could see Nijman in competition for the RT job next training camp.
    Alexander would be a nice addition for the playoffs too. I sure hope Z Smith can get out there too.

  6. Save him for next year. It’ll be like getting an experienced No.1 draft pick for free.
    +++++
    It’s preferable to get experienced difference makers before the playoffs, not pre-season. You feeling okay?

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