Packers-Vikings injury report: Bakhtiari doesn’t practice

David Bakhtiari did not practice on Thursday, a potential trouble spot ahead of the Green Bay Packers’ game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

Bakhtiari was listed as limited participation (back) on Wednesday. On Thursday, he was on the practice field but not in his uniform for the start of the team's lone padded practice of the week. He then went inside the Don Hutson Center, presumably for rehab work.

"We will see tomorrow," coach Matt LaFleur said when asked if Bakhtiari would practice on Friday.

Other than Aaron Rodgers, there might not be a more irreplaceable player on the roster than Bakhtiari, the team’s three-time All-Pro left tackle. Bakhtiari is one of the best in the business at a position that is high on demand but low on supply across the NFL. His presence would be especially valuable against the Vikings, who feature pass-rushing defensive ends Danielle Hunter and Everson Griffen.

Bakhtiari allowed three sacks last season and has yielded only 8.5 sacks the past three seasons, according to STATS. 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.

Last week, with Alex Light inactive, the backup plan at tackle would have been moving right guard Billy Turner. Light and Turner would appear to be the top options if Bakhtiari can't play, though left guard Lane Taylor started once at left tackle in 2017 and right tackle Bryan Bulaga was slated to play left tackle in 2014 before a knee injury opened the door for Bakhtiari.

"We’ve got a couple different options that we feel good about. But, like I said, we’re in the process of formulating those plans," LaFleur said.

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.

Left tackles get paid to protect their quarterback. Run blocking is a bonus. Bakhtiari had his best season as a run blocker last year, with former coach Mike McCarthy getting his big guy out in space to overpower defenseless defensive backs. On runs around left end, the Packers averaged 6.2 yards per carry last season, according to league data. LaFleur’s zone scheme should suit Bakhtiari’s skill-set.

“I like it. I’m a peacock. You’ve got to let me fly,” Bakhtiari said following an offseason practice, quoting Mark Wahlberg’s line from the movie “The Other Guys.”

Bakhtiari added: “I enjoy it. I’ve always enjoyed getting in open space. It’s something I take pride in, especially while the legs are still fresh and my mindset’s still pretty young, getting out there and making the secondary pay for wanting to play football with the big guys.”

Other than Bakhtiari, the only players to not practice were receiver Darrius Shepherd (hamstring) and inside linebacker Oren Burks (pectoral). Cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee) was added to the injury report and was limited.

For the Vikings, standout linebacker Anthony Barr (knee) was removed from the injury report and receiver Josh Doctson was placed on injured reserve.

PACKERS

Did not participate: LT David Bakhtiari (back), ILB Oren Burks (pectoral), WR Darrius Shepherd (hamstring).

Limited: CB Jaire Alexander (knee), TE Jimmy Graham (finger), CB Ka’Dar Hollman (neck), CB Kevin King (hamstring/chest),

Full: RT Bryan Bulaga (rest), CB Josh Jackson (Achilles), C Corey Linsley (elbow), G Cole Madison (ankle), ILB Blake Martinez (shoulder), S Will Redmond (ankle), WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (shoulder), RB Jamaal Williams (shoulder), CB Tramon Williams (rest).

VIKINGS

Did not participate: CB Mackensie Alexander (elbow).

Limited: G Pat Elflein (knee), CB Mark Fields (groin), CB Mike Hughes (knee).

Full: TE Tyler Conklin (ribs), DE Everson Griffen (elbow), DE Danielle Hunter (hamstring).