Subscribe
Follow Us
David Bakhtiari has finally practiced with the Green Bay Packers for the first time since his follow-up knee surgery last month, and Aaron Rodgers couldn't be any happier.
Bakhtiari was activated from the Packers' Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list last November after being sidelined due to an ACL injury. However, the setback pushed his return further despite being able to practice with the team.
With his return, Rodgers wants to temper expectations on the All-Pro tackle. After all, he last played an NFL game in 2020, so some rusty plays are normak. Still, the Packers QB reminded everyone not to underestimate Bakhtiari.
“That'd be nice to get the big giraffe back out there,” Rodgers said of the 30-year-old left tackle, per Ryan Wood of Green Bay-Press Gazette. “We're not going to have 1st-team All-Pro expectations from snap number 1, but 80% of the big giraffe is better than most of the guys in the league.”
The Packers are now atop the NFC with a 10-3 record by virtue of their win-loss standing against teams in the conference. The Arizona Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the same record, so the final games of the 2021 campaign will undoubtedly be a dogfight.
With that said, getting David Bakhtiari back is certainly a major boost in their bid to keep their hold of the top seed.
It remains to be seen if Bakhtiari will be able to play in Week 15 when the Packers take on the Baltimore Ravens. However, it is worth noting that head coach Matt LaFleur noted the star tackle could have returned and played during their Week 14 game.
Hopefully, Bakhtiari returns sooner rather than later. Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay will certainly welcome that boost.
