Green Bay Packers: 3 Options at LT in David Bakhtiari’s Absence

As David Bakhtiari continues to work his way back from his torn ACL, at this time, we don’t know whether or not he will be ready for the Green Bay Packers Week 1 matchup with the New Orleans Saints.

If he can’t go, then that means Green Bay will have to do some shuffling along the offensive line, just as they had to do last season dealing with numerous injuries. Overall this is a very versatile offensive line unit, but there are three players in particular who stand out above the rest as options at left tackle in Bakhtiari’s absence.

Option No. 1 for Green Bay Packers at LT: Ben Braden

Even six weeks ago, this was not a player that I ever would have thought to be a legitimate candidate for snaps at left tackle, given that Braden is 27 years old and that he’s primarily been a practice squad player over his career. However, based on what we’ve seen and heard this summer, it would appear that Green Bay is at least going to take a look at him.

Offensive line coach Adam Stenavich told reporters during OTAs that he believes that Braden will compete for starting time at both guard and tackle. Then during mini-camp and OTAs, we saw Braden taking his fair share of reps at left tackle.

Of these three candidates, Braden is who I would consider the least likely candidate for the starting left tackle job, but given the information above, he’s someone we should at least keep our eyes on as training camp and the preseason unfolds.