Packers Hopeful All-Pro OT David Bakhtiari Will Return In December

The Packers sit at 8-3 heading into Week 12, even without offensive tackle David Bakhtiari.

However, the team is now optimistic he will return soon, as NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports Bakhtiari recently had arthroscopic surgery to clean up his knee which was reconstructed in January. While Bakhtiari won't practice this week, Green Bay is hopeful he will be back for the stretch run.

Bakhtiari, 30, tore his ACL late in the 2020 season and hasn't played this season. He began the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list and was activated off the list ahead of Week 10. Bakhtiari has practiced only once but is making progress.

Bakhtiari is arguably the NFL's best left tackle, garnering three Pro Bowl nods and two All-Pro selections in his career. Per Pro Football Focus, Bakhtiari was the No. 2 graded offensive tackle in 2020 with a 91.8 grade, behind only Trent Williams of the 49ers. Bakhtiari signed a four-year, $105.5 million deal last November, making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history.

The Packers' offensive line has held up without Bakhtiari, allowing 22 sacks in 11 games, but the line was dealt another blow on Monday, with the loss of Elgton Jenkins. Jenkins tore his ACL on Sunday and is out for the season. Jenkins, 25, is a Pro Bowler in his own right and has graded out as a top 15 offensive tackle, according to PFF with an 82.3 grade.

Coming off a 34-31 loss to the Vikings on Sunday, Green Bay has its biggest game to date awaiting them. The Packers will host the Rams (7-3) this Sunday at 4:25 p.m. on FOX.

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