While Allen Lazard is expected to make his season debut for the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night against the Chicago Bears, left tackle David Bakhtiari will likely miss another contest.
According to Bill Huber of SI.com, Bakhtiari – who missed all but one game last season and sat out the season opener – won’t play again in Week 2.
Bakhtiari was listed as questionable on the final injury report. He practiced Wednesday, sat out Thursday and practiced again Friday, matching the new practice schedule set forth by Packers coach Matt LaFleur. But the five-time All-Pro still isn’t ready to play in a game to start the 2022 season.
Without Bakhtiari, the Packers will be expected to start Yosh Nijman at left tackle against the Bears. Nijman started eight games at the position last year and made another start at left tackle in Week 1. He was one of a few bright spots – especially in pass protection – for the Packers offense in the 23-7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
The Packers play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road in Week 3, providing the next chance for Bakhtiari to get back on the playing field.
Right tackle Elgton Jenkins (knee) and left guard Jon Runyan Jr. (concussion) are also questionable to play Sunday. The Packers would be without three preferred starters against the Bears if Bakhtiari, Jenkins and Runyan Jr. are all out.
