The Green Bay Packers decided to send one starting offensive lineman to injured reserve Thursday afternoon ahead of their Week 4 game against the Detroit Lions. The Packers listed David Bakhtiari (knee) and Elgton Jenkins (knee) as out for Thursday’s game against the Lions.
The Green Bay Packers place David Bakhtiari on IR
According to Ian Rapoport with the NFL Network, the Packers placed left tackle David Bakhtiari on injured reserve. It’s unclear when Bakhtiari will see the field in a Packers uniform again.
The #Packers are placing All-Pro LT David Bakhtiari on Injured Reserve, knocking him out at least the next four games, per me and @TomPelissero. But given his knee situation, it’s unclear when or if Bakhtiari will return this season. pic.twitter.com/l6A2iDAE3N
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 28, 2023
Head coach Matt LaFleur said in training camp that Bakhtiari would be “fluid” this season for both practices and games. He started in the Packers’ win over the Chicago Bears in Week 1. He’s been out since.
LaFleur said he missed the Packers Week 2 loss against the Atlanta Falcons due to swelling in his knee. The situation with his knee hasn’t cleared up yet. Bakhtiari has been dealing with knee injuries since his torn ACL injury during the 2020 season.
The timing of the injured reserve placement is a surprise. Bakhtiari will now miss four games. One would think the Packers would have placed Bakhtiari on injured reserve earlier if they had known his injury would be significant this season.
The Packers could have opened up a roster spot for the offensive line earlier. They also could have potentially brought Bakhtiari back sooner if his knee healed.
If his knee situation is still fluid, that is.
For More Wisconsin Sports:
Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @WiSportsHeroics. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at [email protected]. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks.