David Bakhtiari is surprise inactive for Packers-Falcons matchup
As expected, both Aaron Jones and Christian Watson are inactive for the Green Bay Packers' Week 2 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. But, surprisingly, so is starting left tackle David Bakhtiari. Jones and Watson are dealing with hamstring injuries, while Bakhtiari is still dealing with complications from the ACL he tore back in 2020. Watson […]
As expected, both Aaron Jones and Christian Watson are inactive for the Green Bay Packers' Week 2 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. But, surprisingly, so is starting left tackle David Bakhtiari.
Jones and Watson are dealing with hamstring injuries, while Bakhtiari is still dealing with complications from the ACL he tore back in 2020. Watson hurt his at some point before the start of the regular season and Jones was injured on his 35-yard touchdown catch against the Chicago Bears. Jones did not practice all week, so the odds were against him to begin with. Watson did get in a limited session on Friday, which is encouraging, but it ultimately wasn't enough to get him on the field for a game.
Bakhtiari didn't practice all week, either, but that's pretty much been the routine since the offseason. His regimen is permanently considered as "fluid", therefore, it's always hard to tell if his absences actually mean something or if it's just part of the plan.
Below is the list of Packers inactives for this week's game:
- WR Christian Watson
- RB Aaron Jones
- S Anthony Johnson Jr.
- S Zayne Anderson
- LB Brenton Cox Jr.
- T David Bakhtiari
- T Caleb Jones
The Packers elevated running back Patrick Taylor for the second-straight week, so the backfield will consist of him, A.J. Dillon, and rookie Emanuel Wilson. Dillon will obviously lead the way while the others fill in while needed.
As for Bakhtiari's replacement, the expectation is 2022 seventh-rounder, Rasheed Walker, will take over after having a great training camp, per Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Tom Silverstein. It's a major show of confidence from the Packers coaching staff, considering Yosh Nijman is on the roster.
Quay Walker was cleared to play on Saturday after spending the week in the NFL's concussion protocol, which is a big boost to the Packers defense.
Caleb Jones, Brenton Cox Jr., Anthony Johnson Jr., and Zayne Anderson were all healthy scratches last week, as well.
The Falcons have a surprise inactive of their own in veteran running back Cordarrelle Patterson, who practice all week long and avoided an injury designation at week's end. It's unclear whether he isn't as healthy as though, suffered a setback, or is a healthy scratch.
Cornerback Jeff Okudah, who serves as the team's nickelback, is out, as well. Patterson's and Okudah's absences are two good developments for the Packers.
Packers offense already showing off its versatility in 2023
And there will be plenty more to come.
Featured image via Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
