Packers place Pro Bowl OT David Bakhtiari on injured reserve

The Green Bay Packers will be without the services of Pro Bowl offensive tackle David Bakhtiari for at least four more weeks. The team has placed him on injured reserve, according to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

News of Bakhtiari’s injury status broke just hours before the Packers play the Detroit Lions on Thursday Night Football. Both teams are 2-1 and sit atop the NFC North standings.

“The #Packers are placing All-Pro LT David Bakhtiari on Injured Reserve, knocking him out at least the next four games, per me and (Tom Pelissero),” Rapoport reported. “But given his knee situation, it’s unclear when or if Bakhtiari will return this season.”

The #Packers are placing All-Pro LT David Bakhtiari on Injured Reserve, knocking him out at least the next four games, per me and @TomPelissero. But given his knee situation, it’s unclear when or if Bakhtiari will return this season. pic.twitter.com/l6A2iDAE3N

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 28, 2023

Bakhtiari missed most of training camp and the preseason while recovering from a knee injury. He played in Green Bay’s season-opening win against the Chicago Bears. The offensive tackle has not appeared in a game since.

When he’s healthy, Bakhtiari is as good of an offensive tackle as there is in the NFL. But over the last three seasons, he hasn’t been able to stay on the field.

Bakhtiari appeared in just one game for the Packers in 2021. He then played in 11 games during the 2022 season and has made just one appearance thus far in 2023.

Bakhtiari, a former fourth-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, as appeared in 131 career games for Green Bay, starting in all of those. He’s earned three Pro Bowl appearances and has been named to the All-Pro team five times in his career.

Aaron Jones, Christian Watson expected to play for Packers

The Packers do have some good news on the injury front. Both running back Aaron Jones and wide receiver Christian Watson are expected to play against the Lions on Thursday.

Jones played in Week 1, rushing for 41 yards and a touchdown on nine carries before leaving with a hamstring injury. He has not stepped on the field since.

Last year, Jones piled up 1,121 yards on the ground and accounted for seven total touchdowns (two rushing, five receiving).

Watson has not played for Green Bay yet this season. As a rookie in 2022, he totaled 41 receptions for 611 yards and seven receiving touchdowns. He was also credited with 80 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns on the ground.

The Lions and Packers square off at 8:15 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime Video. The winner takes lone possession of first place in the division.