Packers-Vikings injury report: Bakhtiari returns to practice; ‘hopefully’ will be ready

David Bakhtiari is one of the Green Bay Packers’ most indispensable players most weeks. But with a matchup looming against the powerful Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, his place in the lineup is as important as ever.

After missing Thursday’s practice with a sore back, Bakhtiari was back in uniform on Friday for the team’s final practice before Sunday’s NFC North showdown.

"I think we’re going to monitor the next 48 hours and see how it is. Obviously, we have a lot of time. So, hopefully," Bakhtiari said.

He was listed as questionable by coach Matt LaFleur.

"We’ve just got to make sure he’s ready to go and can protect himself and play high-quality football. If he can’t, then he won’t play," LaFleur said.

Bakhtiari said his back began "not cooperating" after a practice this week. Bakhtiari was listed as limited participation on Wednesday but did not participate on Thursday.

The limited practice reps would not be a detriment this week, he said, as he gets ready for another battle against Minnesota defensive end Everson Griffen, a player he holds in high regard.

"I think you can get by without the work," Bakhtiari said. "It’s more a matter of comfort. We’re creatures of habit so we enjoy going through the workweek, getting your sets, getting your fits, getting your angles, actually running the game plan. At this level of our careers, I don’t think it would hinder it that much."

The Packers don’t have a clear backup plan at left tackle. Last week at Chicago, it would have required moving right guard Billy Turner and then replacing Turner. Turner, whose father played for the Vikings and Packers, said he’s been “sprinkled around everywhere” on the line except center.

Video: Action from Friday's practice.

Otherwise, if Bakhtiari is inactive or can’t finish the game, coach Matt LaFleur could turn to Alex Light, who was inactive last week. Right tackle Bryan Bulaga was slated to be the team’s left tackle in 2013 before suffering a torn ACL that opened the door for then-rookie Bakhtiari. Left guard Lane Taylor played at left tackle against Chicago and Dallas in 2017.

“I don’t know if we’re at that point right now, to be honest with you,” Bulaga said on Thursday. “So, I don’t even want to go down that path. Obviously, Dave’s one of the best tackles in the game, so whenever you remove a really good player, you’re not putting in a better player than that really good player. So, it obviously hurts the front, but guys have to step up – just like if someone gets nicked up in a game, someone’s got to go in and play. They’re expected to win and play at a high level. But to my knowledge, we’re not at that point.”

Based on Friday’s practice, the Packers will have Bakhtiari and Bulaga at their usual spots to contend with Minnesota’s pass-rushing duo of Griffen and Danielle Hunter.

Only one player didn’t practice during the media portion of practice: inside linebacker Oren Burks (pectoral). Receiver Darrius Shepherd, who missed last week’s game and the first two practices of this week with a hamstring injury, returned to practice. Cornerback Ka’Dar Hollman continued to wear the red, no-contact practice jersey. Burks and Shepherd are out and Hollman is questionable.

Offensive tackles who can win on the edge, without help, are worth their weight in gold. That’s why 20 of the league’s starters were selected in the first round. With former fourth-round pick Bakhtiari protecting Rodgers’ blind side, the Packers haven’t had a game-planning care for years.

According to Pro Football Focus, Bakhtiari allowed four sacks last season and finished fifth among offensive tackles in its pass-blocking efficiency, which measures sacks, hits and hurries per pass-rushing snap. According to STATS, Bakhtiari allowed three sacks last season and has yielded only 8.5 sacks the past three seasons. Last week against Chicago, he allowed one sack and was flagged twice for holding. Those holding penalties matched his season totals from 2017 and 2018.

For Minnesota, cornerback Mackenzie Alexander is out and fellow cornerback Mike Hughes, last year's first-round pick, is doubtful as he comes back from a torn ACL. Linebacker Ben Gedeon was added to the report and is questionable.

PACKERS

Out: ILB Oren Burks (pectoral), WR Darrius Shepherd (hamstring).

Questionable: LT David Bakhtiari (back), CB Ka’Dar Hollman (neck).

VIKINGS

Out: CB Mackensie Alexander (elbow).]

Doubtful: CB Mike Hughes (knee).

Questionable: G Pat Elflein (knee), CB Mark Fields (groin), LB Ben Gedeon (groin).