The Green Bay Packers could have David Bakhtiari, Jaire Alexander and Za’Darius Smith on the field for their divisional-round matchup against the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday. It would not only be the first time all three played together this season, but the first time the three have played together since Week 16 of the 2020 season.
Head coach Matt LaFleur said Tuesday that he is “hopeful” Smith and Alexander will be able to play. There is very little concern for Bakhtiari, who was held out of Tuesday’s practice for load management purposes after his successful debut in the regular-season finale.
It would certainly be notable if the Packers have their three former All-Pros available for Saturday’s game. San Francisco is a tough team that would have escaped with a win over Green Bay in Week 3 if not for some late-game heroics from Aaron Rodgers. Despite having no timeouts and only 37 remaining in the game, Rodgers set up a game-winning 51-yard field goal for Mason Crosby to clinch an improbable win.
Neither team was at full health or played their best game in the first matchup. The 49ers are currently playing some of their best football, however, the Packers will be much healthier and will also be hosting San Francisco in below-freezing temperatures rather than traveling out west.
All three of Green Bay’s key returnees could be shaking off some rust when they take the field later this week. To get a better idea of what to expect from Bakhtiari, Alexander, and Smith entering the fold simultaneously, let’s look back at all three of their previous performances against the 49ers.
