By Adam Roberts – 10/21/2020
After Sunday’s 38-10 loss to Tampa Bay, many commented on how Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers seemed to be under constant pressure from the Tampa defense. The linebacker duo of Lavonte David and Devin White had 18 total tackles, five and a half for loss, and two and a half sacks, and Rodgers was hit 13 total times in the game. Of course, one key piece was missing from the Packers O-line in the second half: left tackle and blind-side protector David Bakhtiari was taken out in the second half with a chest injury after a hit from Buccaneers defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.
After the game, head coach Matt LaFleur said that the team didn’t think the injury to Bakhtiari was all that serious, and yesterday Bakhtiari re-affirmed this. “I can just tell you that it’s definitely not season ending” he said on a call Tuesday with WSSP Radio in Milwaukee, “I’m gonna take it…one step at a time, and I’ll be back out there.” Bakhtiari wouldn’t say whether or not he’ll be available for the Sunday game at Houston.
He did, however, have some choice words about Suh, who in addition to the injury play had shoved Rodgers down fairly hard at the end of the first half. “Throughout his history, he’s done what he’s done, and you can’t really say one way or another to try and make it look good. I mean he’s done dirty things, and he’s gotten fined for that…I believe six figures worth, and that kinda just talks about who he is. If he’s got someone in a compromised position, depending on how he’s feeling, he will potentially take advantage of or expose that individual.”
Green Bay returns to the practice field today, and Bakhtiari won’t likely be on the field with the team. We’ll also be keeping an eye on Tyler Ervin, Kevin King, and Darnell Savage this week to monitor their injury progress.