Breaking down Packers’ roster moves ahead of showdown vs. Lions

The Green Bay Packers made four roster moves ahead of Thursday night’s showdown with the Detroit Lions in Week 4. The team placed left tackle David Bakhtiari on injured reserve, signed linebacker Kristian Welch from the practice squad and elevated cornerbacks Corey Ballentine and Kiondre Thomas from the practice squad to the gameday roster.

The Packers and Lions kick off from Lambeau Field at 7:15 p.m. CT. The winner will move to 3-1 and claim the lead in the NFC North.

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Here’s a breakdown of the Packers’ four pre-game moves, starting with the bad news for Bakhtiar and ending with two emergency options at cornerback:

Bakhtiari to injured reserve

Green Bay Packers offensive tackle David Bakhtiari (69) provides pass protection while covering Detroit Lions linebacker Romeo Okwara (95) during the second quarter Sunday, January 8, 2023 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. the Detroit Lions beat the Green Bay Packers 20-16.Packers08 7

Another cruel twist in Bakhtiari’s now three-year-long struggle to return from a Dec. 2020 knee injury. The All-Pro left tackle missed the last two games and was ruled out for Thursday night, but now he’ll miss at least the next four, meaning the earliest he could return to the field is Nov. 5 against the Los Angeles Rams. It’s fair to wonder if he’ll return at all this season given the never-ending issues with his surgically repaired knee. Could this be it? Who knows. What we do know is second-year offensive tackle Rasheed Walker is now the go-to left tackle for the Packers in 2023, and possibly beyond.

Sign Welch from practice squad

Aug 27, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kristian Welch (57) reacts after sacking Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (not pictured) during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

With De’Vondre Campbell (ankle) ruled out and the special teams needing a boost, the Packers signed Welch from the practice squad. The former Raven played in 43 games and was on the field for almost 900 special teams snaps over the last three seasons. While he’ll be unlikely to play defensive snaps, Welch — a Wisconsin native — could immediately become a core special teamer. He was on the field for 355 snaps over five special teams phases for the Ravens last season.

Elevate Ballentine

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – SEPTEMBER 24: Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints lines up against Corey Ballentine #35 of the Green Bay Packers during a game at Lambeau Field on September 24, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

This is the second consecutive elevation for Ballentine, who was on the field for 18 special teams snaps and 30 defensive snaps for the Packers last week against the Saints. He is needed at cornerback with Jaire Alexander (back) and Carrington Valentine (biceps) both questionable to play against the Lions. While Ballentine gave up four catches, he also had an important pass breakup in the second half on Sunday. He’d be the No. 3 cornerback if Alexander and Valentine can’t go on Thursday night.

Elevate Thomas from practice squad

Green Bay Packers cornerback Kiondre Thomas (43) gets set on defense during an NFL pre-season football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Peter Aiken)

Thomas could make his Packers regular season debut on Thursday night. His elevation reflects the uncertain playing status of both Jaire Alexander and Carrington Valentine on Thursday night. Thomas would be the No. 4 cornerback if neither can play. Either way, he’ll likely be asked to play special teams. This is his first elevation from the practice squad this season.