‘Hard to Replace a Guy of His Caliber’- Green Bay Packers Head Coach on David Bakhtiari

The Green Bay Packers’ David Bakhtiari recently suffered an injury during a practice session. Unfortunately, the extent of the injury was such that the offensive tackle was ruled out for the entirety of the season.

Head Coach Matt LaFleur confirmed the severity of the injury on Friday. It was sheer bad luck. What’s more, the injury took place barely weeks after he agreed to a lucrative 4-year contract worth up to $105.5 million with a $30 million signing bonus.

“It’s just one of those unfortunate, freak things that happen sometimes in practice. It was certainly nobody’s fault. It was a freaky deal, and you know, it’s tough to replace a guy of his caliber. I mean, you’re talking about a premier left tackle in this league,” said Matt LaFleur.

Bakhtiari played a huge role in bolstering the Packers’ claim to their second straight NFC North title. Earlier this season, he missed 3 games owing to a number of broken ribs.

With the offensive line rife with injuries, the Packers need to initiate a major rejig. It is quintessential considering how they are on a collision course with the Chicago Bears for a matchup with a lot hanging in the balance.

A win could earn the Packers the No. 1 seed in the NFC Playoffs. What’s more, it would also mean that they could get themselves a first-round bye if they beat the Bears or end the match with a tie.

If the 49ers win or draw against the Seattle Seahawks, Chicago can clinch a playoff berth with a victory. Therefore, the stakes in the upcoming matchup between the Bears and the Packers are through the roof.

Green Bay Packers make a strategy in David Bakhtiari’s absence

The Packers adapted to Bakhtiari’s absence by placing Rick Wagner at right tackle and moving their usual right tackle, Billy Turner, to the left. Owing to this, the Packers emerged victorious at Houston and San Francisco.

But things might not be so easy for the Packers this time around. They bested Tennessee Titans in a Week 16 matchup; however, this win exacted a heavy toll on the Packers in the form of an injury to Rick Wagner.

“Our standards, our expectations, they don’t change. And so, we’re very fortunate to have a lot of depth at that position and the versatility of guys that can play multiple spots.

“So we’ll lean on that, we’ll rally around each other and, you know, we’re going to make the best of it,” said head coach Matt LaFleur.

2020 has been a season rife with injury niggles for the team based out of the Lambeau Field. Nonetheless, they have put forth convincing performances and strong fights consistently and will undoubtedly continue to do so.