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The Packers are sitting pretty at the top of the NFC North, with nobody even close to taking over their lead. Currently with the best record in the NFC, they are most likely going to secure the conference. Despite all of their success, the Packers are struggling in terms of injuries.
On Tuesday, head coach Matt LaFleur spoke to the media and addressed three major concerns going into Week 16. LaFleur provided updates on David Bakhtiari, Jaire Alexander, and Za'Darius Smith.
ESPN reporter Rob Demovsky tweeted the news Tuesday afternoon.
It will be at least another week for David Bakhtiari, Jaire Alexander and Za'Darius Smith.
None will play Saturday vs. the Browns. Bakhtiari and Alexander have been practicing but Smith is not ready to even do that yet, per Matt LaFleur.
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) December 21, 2021
All three will be unavailable for Week 16 against the Cleveland Browns. While LaFleur did not have much positive news for this week, there is hope for the rest of the regular season and the Packers' playoff run. Demovsky noted that cornerback Alexander and offensive tackle Bakhtiari have been practicing, which is a sign that they could be available to play in the near future.
Alexander has been recovering from an AC joint injury that he suffered in Week 4. Bakhtiari has undergone multiple procedures to repair his torn ACL, and surprised his team by participating in practice last week for the first time since his second procedure in late November.
Meanwhile, Smith continues to nurse the back injury he has had the entire season. He suffered the serious injury in Week 1, had surgery, and has spent the last few months recovering. He is expected to return for the Packers' Week 18 game against the Detroit Lions at the earliest.
