Packers David Bakhtiari will not play v. Washington plus a look at other inactives
By Paul Bretl
The Green Bay Packers have released their inactives list for Sunday’s matchup with the Washington Commanders, and unfortunately, David Bakhtiari is on it.
After not having an injury designation on Friday, the Packers downgraded Bakhtiari to questionable on Saturday because of his knee. This now takes away a lot of the flexibility that the Packers had when it came to making adjustments to the offensive line.
According to Ian Rapoport, there isn’t any new tweaks with Bakhtiari’s knee, but it wasn’t feeling great either.
Yosh Nijman can no longer slide over to right tackle, as he will be needed at left tackle. Green Bay’s only options now are to keep the same configuration that they had been utilizing or choosing to start rookie Zach Tom at either right tackle or guard.
If they go this route, Tom could start at right tackle, allowing Elgton Jenkins to move to right guard. Tom could also slide in at right guard, allowing Jenkins to stay at tackle. Or, an under-the-radar option, Tom did take reps this summer at left guard, so perhaps the Packers would be willing to move Jon Runyan to right guard in this scenario.
With that said, typically, the Packers are hesitant to start rookies right away, as they do prefer experience, so I do wonder if that does factor into this decision with Tom. At the moment, all signs point to Green Bay using the same starting five.
However, regardless of what starting five the Green Bay Packers trot out there, this group is going to be tested again, going against a Washington defensive front that Matt LaFleur said would give you nightmares. Montez Sweat, Daron Payne, and Jonathan Allen all rank in the top 10 in pressures within their respective position groups, while as a unit, Washington has been among the best at generating pressures and sacks.
When it comes to the other inactives for the Packers, rookie Jonathan Ford is out, as he has been for the entire season. 2022 is essentially turning into a red-shirt year for him. Christian Watson, who was ruled out on Friday, is also inactive.
Offensive lineman Luke Tuneta will also be inactive after just being signed a few days ago. Of note, this means that third round pick Sean Rhyan and seventh round pick Rasheed Walker will each be available, as will Samori Toure for the first time this season, with the Packers thin at the receiver position due to injuries.
Lastly, Jonathan Garvin, who has been a regular member of the Packers edge rusher rotation will be inactive as well. He has underwhelmed this season, posting only two pressures per PFF. La’Darius Hamilton was elevated from the practice squad.
The Packers also get a needed boost with Sammy Watkins being active. He will provide a trusted option for Aaron Rodgers, along with a vertical threat that the offense has been missing. This Washington secondary has had issues in coverage this season.