In advance of what could be a division-clinching win, the Packers learned that they will still not have the services of their best offensive linemen. Left tackle David Bakhtiari is out for Week 15 against the Ravens, reports Tom Silverstein of the Green Bay Post-Gazette. 
Bakhtiari practiced throughout the week, the first time he was able to do so after sitting out three weeks due to his second left knee surgery. The 30-year-old has not played in 2021, after his initial injury last New Year’s Eve. Green Bay has missed the four-time Pro Bowler all year, of course, but especially so since losing Elgton Jenkins in November. Look for the team to continue with Yosuah Nijman, Dennis Kelly and Billy Turner at offensive tackle.
While providing the update on Bakhtiari, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur added that defensive tackle Kenny Clark is unlikely to play. The 26-year-old was added to the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Thursday, giving him little time to become available by Sunday. The 2019 Pro Bowler has 42 tackles and four sacks this season. In his absence, fifth-round rookie T.J. Slaton could start at nose guard.
Despite those setbacks, the Packers will still be favored to win in Baltimore, especially if Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is unable to play. A victory on Sunday would seal the NFC North title for Green Bay, as would a loss by the Vikings against the Bears.
Starting to question if he will ever be the same.
It’s been less than a year since the injury occurred. Give it time.
I’d really like to know a few things:
1. What is the expected time some fans think is enough for a pro athlete to make it back from ACL tears?
2. What is the actual (average) time it takes?
3. The average time it takes based on severity of the injury?
4. The average time it takes based on the person’s body type/weight?
Dude has been out just shy of a calendar year. If I’m not mistaken, 1 year is expected as a general time frame. I don’t know the severity of his injury, but I do know he’s a rather large individual, so shouldn’t we expect it may take a little longer to be physically (and probably mentally as well) ready?
@MannyPineappleExpress9 – I’ve heard that even for a partial ACL tear, the least amount of time it has ever taken for a player to get back on the court in the NBA is eleven months and I would think it’s about the same for the NFL. I honestly think he could have returned a couple of weeks ago, but the Packers are making sure he’s absolutely at 100%. Similar to what the Browns did with OBJ earlier this season. Sometimes when a team rushes a player back too quickly he will reinjure it. I believe OBJ had the ACL tear in week 7 of last season and he was originally expected to return week 1 but they held him out the first 2 weeks to make sure he was fully at 100%. But he is a receiver who had to run routes and all that, but doesn’t take too much contact. Bakhtiari is a lineman, on the other hand, so he has to use his legs every play and has to have incredibly strong knees to keep back those D-Linemen. Overall, I do think the average is about a year and OBJ just had a very quick comeback – did you see that video of him running incredibly fast on a treadmill like 6 months into his recovery?
I don’t really know the answer to 3. and 4. I would think it’s about the same recovery timeline no matter what the bodyweight though.
He had a second procedure a couple weeks ago (I think going into the bye week), which I presume was a cleanup type surgery for scar tissue or something. That makes me believe he wasn’t as close as many thought or believed, particularly those who were convinced he should have been ready for the regular season opener.
I do think a person’s weight can be a factor in recovery time. I’m not saying it IS in this case, but just another potential reason for the delay. And running is a lot different than blocking, twisting, pushing and so on.
They’re just making sure he’s back at 100% – they don’t want to rush him back and have him re-injure it
He’s already had to undergo a second surgery
Hey, this may be an important game, but Bakhtiari’s long term effectiveness is more important-especially in light of the upcoming transition to a new quarterback in Green Bay. If he’s borderline, they shouldn’t feel badly about sitting him. Home field advantage this year is important, but future wins may depend on playing it safely right now.
Besides, who knows? The Packers may face this team later if pieces fall the right way. Better to let the opponent face you at full strength later rather than sooner.
He’s still well enough to chug beers at Bucks games right? Not being an jerk. His beer chugging has won Bucks many a games through the years. Legendary stuff, maybe the same as his QB. Just in the opposite fashion.
Too bad chugging beers doesn’t help the rehab process. Maybe could have been back 2 or 3 months ago…
Bakhitiari might be playing his last season in GB. Because I think they will release him because they have to free up some payroll for next year. The young replacements have done a decent job. They will use his and the Smiths salaries to sign Rodgers, Alexander’s and Adam’s. If they don’t sign Rodgers, Adams will leave also.