The Green Bay Packers have placed star left tackle David Bakhtiari on injured reserve. Bakhtiari, who has been a cornerstone of the Packers’ offensive line since 2013, suffered a season-ending knee injury in practice on December 31.
Bakhtiari has been one of the best left tackles in the NFL for years. He was a first-team All-Pro selection in 2018 and 2019, and was named to the Pro Bowl four times. He was also a key part of the Packers’ offensive line that helped lead the team to a 13-3 record and a trip to the NFC Championship game in 2019.
The loss of Bakhtiari is a huge blow to the Packers’ offense. He was one of the best pass protectors in the league, and his absence will make it much more difficult for Aaron Rodgers and the rest of the offense to move the ball down the field. The Packers will now have to rely on backups Rick Wagner and Billy Turner to protect Rodgers’ blindside.
The Packers are hoping that Bakhtiari will be able to return in 2021. He is expected to make a full recovery from his injury, but it is unclear when he will be able to return to the field. Until then, the Packers will have to make do without one of their best players.
The loss of Bakhtiari is a major setback for the Packers, but they will have to find a way to move forward without him. It won’t be easy, but with the help of their backups, they should be able to stay competitive in the NFC North.