All signs are pointing to All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari returning on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, although coach Matt LaFleur wasn’t ready to confirm he’d play when asked on Thursday.
For the second straight day, Bakhtiari practiced as a full participant, potentially putting him on track to play for the first time since injuring his chest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Oct. 18.
“Looks like he’s trending in the right direction. It was definitely nice to see him back out there though,” LaFleur said Thursday.
LaFleur said Bakhtiari’s specific injury is “never comfortable” and a big part of Bakhtiari’s ability to play Sunday will be managing the injury through the week and in the game.
“It comes down to his ability to go out there and function and able to protect himself and not get any worse,” LaFleur said.
Bakhtiari started the first five games of 2020 but has missed three straight games.
According to Pro Football Focus, Bakhtiari remains the fourth-highest graded offensive tackle in the NFL entering Week 10. He hasn’t allowed a sack over 188 pass-blocking snaps this season.
Billy Turner, the starting right tackle, has started the last three games at left tackle in place of Bakhtiari.
Running back Aaron Jones also practiced fully for the second straight day. He returned last Thursday night after missing two games with a calf injury.
Outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith returned to practice after missing Wednesday for the birth of his child.
However, cornerback Jaire Alexander missed another day of practice while in the concussion protocol.
