Green Bay Packers v. Bears: 5 Key Questions Prior to Week 17
By Paul Bretl

Who gets the start at LT?
I wrote about this topic specifically earlier on Friday, but the way I see it is that the Packers have two realistic options to replace David Bakhtiari–either Billy Turner or Elgton Jenkins. Turner filled in for Bakhtiari earlier this season when he missed three games, and I have to say, Turner surprised me. Over 120 pass-blocking snaps, he gave up just one sack and four total pressures.
Then there is Jenkins, who has played multiple snaps at every position except right guard this season, and while he doesn’t have the NFL experience at tackle that Turner does, he has the skill-set with his quick feet and brute strength.
Given that when Bakhtiari was out earlier this season, the Green Bay Packers went with Turner at left tackle, my guess is that’s the route they go again. But as we’ve seen all season, Matt LaFleur isn’t afraid to switch things up along the offensive line. It’s all about putting the best five on the field.
How does the offensive line play without Bakhtiari?
Piggy-backing off the previous question, what’s this unit going to look like without their star left tackle? During the three games without Bakhtiari, the Green Bay offensive line allowed one sack and 15 pressures while the offense as a whole still averaged over 30 points per game. However, they didn’t face a pass-rush like the Bears have.
There is, of course, Khalil Mack, who has eight sacks and 12 quarterback hits this season. The last time these two teams played, Akiem Hicks wasn’t on the field, but he has played in the previous four games since. Linebacker Roquan Smith is one of the best in the game and has logged 17 tackles for loss this season. I also have to mention Bilal Nichols, who has three sacks in the last four games.
You have to imagine that the Bears’ defense — particularly Mack — will try to exploit whoever the new left tackle is, and on the inside, Hicks is someone who could absolutely give Lucas Patrick fits. As we’ve seen against Tampa Bay and Carolina, if the offensive line struggles, so does the rest of the offense.