It remains unclear when Green Bay Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari will make his long-awaited return to the playing field.
Coach Matt LaFleur said Bakhtiari won’t practice again on Thursday and is still considered day to day while he recovers from an ACL repair.
“It’s day to day, it’s part of the process, he’s coming off a major injury. We’re trying to put him in the best possible position for when he does return, so that’s he good to go,” LaFleur said Thursday.
Asked if he thinks Bakhtiari will return this season, LaFleur said he is hopeful the All-Pro left tackle would play in 2021.
“He’s doing everything in his power to get back and soon as possible,” LaFleur said.
Bakhtiari, who will miss his third straight practice, was activated off the PUP list last week. He was listed as doubtful and didn’t play last Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.
After missing practices on Wednesday and Thursday of this week, Bakhtiari will be unlikely to play Sunday in Minnesota.
Offensive line coach Adam Stenavich said a big hurdle for Bakhtiari is proving he can sustain a high level of play over the course of an entire game. He said he’s seen “flashes” from Bakhtiari but the Packers are remaining cautious against playing him too soon.
Bakhtiari, a five-time All-Pro, tore his ACL on Dec. 31 of last year.
The Packers will practice again Friday before providing official injury designations for players on the injury report. It’s possible Bakhtiari will be listed as doubtful again.
