Packers: An encouraging sign David Bakhtiari could soon return

The Green Bay Packers are due some good luck along the offensive line when it comes to injuries.

Having already lost Elgton Jenkins for the year, and Billy Turner getting injured last week, the Packers need their All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari back in a big way.

Well, there was an encouraging sign on Wednesday.

According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, Bakhtiari practiced today. It’s a small step, yes, but a significant one potentially. There has been some uncertainty about when, or if, Bakhtiari would be able to return this season.

The fact he’s been able to return to practice is perhaps our best indication yet that he’s making good progress in his recovery and could return in time for the playoffs.

It’s been almost a year since Bakhtiari last played. He tore his ACL at practice on New Year’s Eve 2020 and hasn’t been able to play since. Hopefully, the long wait for his return isn’t too far away.

More good news is that All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander also practiced. The Packers opened the three-week window to activate him last week, and Alexander was able to practice the week prior to the game against the Chicago Bears. The fact he’s back out there on Wednesday is a promising sign that he continues to progress and hasn’t suffered any setbacks.

It remains to be seen when either Bakhtiari or Alexander will be able to return from injury, and the Packers are famously cautious. They won’t want to rush either player back too soon.

But the fact they both practiced today is a step in the right direction. Four weeks still remain before the playoffs. If Green Bay gets a first-round bye, it would be an even longer wait until its first playoff game.

If Bakhtiari and Alexander are ready by then, it will be great for the Packers’ Super Bowl hopes.