Did David Bakhtiari sit out Packers-Falcons because of turf?
We all know that Green Bay Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari is not a fan of playing on artificial turf, at all – but did he actually remove himself from playing in Week 2 because of it? That's a good chunk of the conversation coming out of Sunday's loss. Bakhtiari was inactive against the Atlanta […]
We all know that Green Bay Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari is not a fan of playing on artificial turf, at all – but did he actually remove himself from playing in Week 2 because of it?
That's a good chunk of the conversation coming out of Sunday's loss. Bakhtiari was inactive against the Atlanta Falcons after playing 92% of offensive snaps against the Chicago Bears and resting all week long. Bakhtiari did not practice, at all, leading up to the Falcons matchup.
At first, it seemed like one needed a tinfoil hat in order to join the club, but then Bakhtiari's brother posted something on X that took things to a new level.
If you're unfamiliar with the meme, click here and you'll realize what it's all about. Essentially, Bakhtiari's brother is saying his sibling isn't messing around when it comes to playing on turf.
Bakhtiari was also asked earlier in the week if he'd sit out because of the turf and he didn't offer up an answer.
“I don’t think that’s a conversation that should be had. I just don’t think that’s … it’s not appropriate,” Bakhtiari told reporters after practice.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur was asked about the situation after the game and while he was understandably upset at the loss, he really didn't want to take any questions on Bak and he made that very clear.
And while he did say Sunday's issue was not turf-related, he did say things will "probably be like this from here on out", which could mean, yes, the five-time All-Pro will sit out games played on turf. Or, it could simply mean Bakhtiari's status will be up-in-the-air each week, regardless of what happens in the previous game or the previous week of practice. Or, whatever the next playing surface is made of.
"I mean, we all know that Dave's been dealing with this, so, no," LaFleur told reporters. "You guys – I'm not gonna get into that. We all know this has been two years, now. So, I'm not going to get into it. It's probably going to be like this from here on out."
There's one big clue that ties this all in together
Bakhtiari will turn 32 next week and 2024 is the last year of the $92 million deal he signed back in 2020. All of his guaranteed money dried up in 2022 and he has a whopping $20.2 million due in the form of base salary and roster bonuses in 2024, per Over the Cap and Spotrac. Meaning, that money isn't guaranteed and can be easily manipulated. The Packers would create $21.5 million in cap room if they were to release Bakhtiari next year.
If Bakhtiari were to get hurt or cause a setback with his knee, his career could be over. His 2023 salary is fully guaranteed since he's a vested veteran that was on an NFL roster in Week 1, but nothing is guaranteed beyond this year. And he obviously has a lot of money coming his way next year, so why risk it?
If he get hurts again and the Packers cut him, the chances of a team taking on a high-priced veteran that turns 33 during the 2024 season and has a long, recent history of major knee issues are basically slim to none. It's clear he is thinking about both the short- and long-term picture.
Packers aren't playing on turf again until it matters most
Here's where things get really interesting: If Bakhtiari plans on sitting out when the Packers play on turf, there shouldn't be any pending absences in the near future.
But, that changes in a big way once December rolls around. You know, the time of year when stakes are at their highest and teams need to be playing their best ball.
Three of the Packers' last five games are on the artificial turf that is currently under fire: the Carolina Panthers, the New York Giants (where Aaron Rodgers got hurt and mushroomed all of this), and the Minnesota Vikings. Those matchups take place in Weeks 14, 16, and 17. All three opponents are NFC opponents and one is an NFC North rival, meaning, those games will have a major impact on the playoff race, no matter what their record is at the time. If the Packers are in the playoff hunt come December, they're definitely going to need to win those games in order to get in.
That could be very hard without Bakhtiari, especially when considering the pass rushes those three teams have. Each team has elite pass rushers that could really make things hard for the Packers and as we saw Sunday against the Falcons – this is a very real scenario, even if it is currently a hypothetical.
It's a complicated situation and we won't know how it's going to play out or what the true context is until, well, we are right in the thick of things. Unless someone breaks news on the situation or something like that.
As much as it sucks, it makes sense for Bakhtiari to sit out turf games, if that is really what is going on. He just better be ready for the guaranteed criticism that will come with it – fair or not.
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Featured image via Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
