Despite missing over a week of practice and not being on the practice field at all this week, Green bay Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari is expecting to play in Sunday’s season opener against the Chicago Bears.
“That’s the plan,” Bakhtiari said Thursday.
Buy Packers TicketsBakhtiari hasn’t practiced since Aug. 30. Coach Matt LaFleur expressed no concern about his left tackle’s availability for Week 1.
“He’s a guy who has banked a ton of reps,” LaFleur said. “He feels good physically and so we anticipate him out there on Sunday.”
The Packers and Bakhtiari have been working together to manage his workload after three different surgeries on his knee cost him almost two years of football. Days off of practice are all part of the plan, which LaFleur has always admitted would be “fluid.”
It’s possible the Packers are saving most of Bakhtiari’s snaps for Sundays.
Bakhtiari, who has played in 130 career games, said he doesn’t need a lot of practice reps and will only require a few walkthroughs to feel ready to play a regular season game.
“Practice is important, but not everyone needs practice,” Bakhtiari said.
Bakhtiari played in 11 games last season and didn’t allow a sack. When on the field, he looked like the same five-time All-Pro as before the injury.
Now, the Packers are attempting to make sure Bakhtiari is available — and functioning at an elite level — for as many gamedays as possible.
“We’re just trying to find what’s best for the team and for me to be at my best on Sundays,” Bakhtiari said.
LaFleur didn’t rule out Bakhtiari practicing in some capacity on Friday. The final injury report and playing designations will arrive after practice on Friday.
