The Green Bay Packers placed left tackle David Bakhtiari on injured reserve on Thursday, providing another twist in an on-going saga of unavailability for the All-Pro.
Bakhtiari injured his knee on Dec. 31, 2020. He needed three surgeries to get back on the field. Since the injury, Bakhtiari has played in exactly 13 games.
Buy Packers TicketsGoing on injured reserve now means Bakhtiari — who has already missed two consecutive games — must miss at least four more. The five-time All-Pro will miss Thursday night against the Detroit Lions, Week 5 against the Las Vegas Raiders, Week 7 against the Denver Broncos and Week 8 against the Minnesota Vikings. The Packers have a bye in Week 6.
He would be eligible to return on Nov. 5 against the Los Angeles Rams, but it’s currently unclear when Bakhtiari will have a legitimate chance to return to the field.
Bakhtiari, who hasn’t practiced in an official capacity since Aug. 30, played 55 snaps against the Chicago Bears in Week 1 but hasn’t been available since.
With Bakhtiari out of the picture, second-year offensive tackle Rasheed Walker will take over as the starting left tackle. He has been impressive — especially in pass protection — over the last two games, both starts. Per Pro Football Focus, Walker has allowed only two total pressures over 85 pass-blocking snaps this season. It’s possible Walker is both the present — with Bakhtiari out — and the future at left tackle for the Packers.
While a discussion for after the season, the Packers will have a big decision to make on Bakhtiari’s roster status once 2023 is over. His cap hit balloons to over $40 million in 2024.
