From @GMFB: #Packers QB Aaron Rodgers will limp around another week on that significant toe injury, while the team appears to have lost talented OL Elgton Jenkins for the season. pic.twitter.com/1W98feYNM7
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 22, 2021
The mystery surrounding David Bakhtiari’s return to the field continues, but at least there’s some hope that the All-Pro left tackle will return and play this season.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Packers are hoping to get Bakhtiari back on the field at some point in December.
Bakhtiari hasn’t played yet this season while recovering from a torn ACL.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers said Bakhtiari’s status was “unknown” following Sunday’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The return of the team’s starting left tackle gained even more importance when Elgton Jenkins, who played so well in his place at left tackle to start the 2021 season, suffered what appeared to be a significant knee injury at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday.
Rapoport reports that initial testing revealed a torn ACL. Imaging will be done Monday to provide a final diagnosis.
With Bakhtiari and Jenkins both out, the Packers are down to Yosh Nijman at left tackle. He started two games at the position earlier this season.
Returning Bakhtiari at left tackle might be required if the Packers want to make a Super Bowl run, but recent events have thrown a wrench into the process.
Bakhtiari, who tore his ACL on Dec. 31 of last year, began practicing with the team on Oct. 20. He was activated off the PUP list three weeks later on Nov. 10, but he hasn’t practiced since Thursday of last week, missing all three practices this past week.
Either the Packers don’t feel Bakhtiari is ready to return to the field, or he suffered some kind of setback while practicing.
Given the recent events, a return in December for Bakhtiari would have to be considered a best-case scenario.
It’s certainly possible next month will bring a bunch of presents for the Packers. Bakhtiari could be back, and All-Pros Jaire Alexander and Za’Darius Smith might also have a chance to return. But nothing is certain for any of the three players as they recover from significant injuries.
The hobbled Packers play the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday at Lambeau Field. After, the long-awaited Week 13 bye arrives for Matt LaFleur’s football team.