Packers: David Bakhtiari status could impact offensive line reshuffle

David Bakhtiari’s status for Week 7 could impact any potential plans to reshuffle the Green Bay Packers’ offensive line.

Following last week’s disaster from the offensive line, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur spoke about the possibility of reshuffling the starting five.

While he didn’t give any clues about what potential changes could take place, we can assume Royce Newman being benched would be among them.

Newman was benched during last week’s loss to the New York Jets. An injury to Jake Hanson resulted in Newman returning to the game.

One possibility would’ve seen Elgton Jenkins move back to guard with Yosh Nijman taking over at right tackle.

However, David Bakhtiari’s status could potentially change those plans.

Packers downgrade David Bakhtiari to questionable for Week 7

The Packers announced on Saturday that Bakhtiari has been downgraded to questionable to play in Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders.

The five-time All-Pro had previously not had an injury designation for the game.

This is potentially significant. If Bakhtiari is either inactive or can’t play the entire game, Nijman would be the replacement at left tackle. That would prevent him from shifting over to the right side, had that been the plan.

If Nijman is needed at left tackle, it could prevent any potential plans to move Jenkins back to guard.

And if Jenkins remains at tackle, does that mean Newman keeps his starting job at right guard?

So, just Bakhtiari being limited on Sunday could have a dramatic effect on any offensive line reshuffling plans the Packers may have.

As of yet, Matt LaFleur hasn’t shown enough confidence in rookie Zach Tom to put him in a starting role.

Tom’s versatility would make him useful. He could play at right guard or right tackle. If the Packers wanted to really mix things up, they could have Tom start at center with Josh Myers sliding to right guard.

But for now, there has been no indication of Tom starting.

So, if Bakhtiari can’t go on Sunday, does this mean the Packers won’t reshuffle the starting line? It’s a worrying possibility.