Packers Inactives vs. Cowboys: David Bakhtiari WILL play
By Paul Bretl
Inactives have been announced for the Green Bay Packers prior to their matchup with Dallas, and there is good news with David Bakhtiari being available after he was listed as questionable on Friday.
With Bakhtiari set to play, the Packers will once again have their preferred five players starting along the offensive line. This is only the second time this season that has happened, with the first coming just one week ago against Detroit–although it didn’t last long with Jon Runyan leaving the game briefly at one point and Bakhtiari missing most of the second half.
The Green Bay offensive line is going to be tested today against a Dallas pass rush that is statistically the best in the NFL. The Cowboys enter Week 10 ranked first in pressure rate and first in total sacks.
Individually, Dallas has Micah Parsons, one of the best pass rushers in the NFL, who currently ranks fourth in pressures created, third in sacks, and ninth in pass rush win rate, a PFF ($$) efficiency metric. But in addition to Parson’s ability to get after the quarterback, he is able to lineup all over the field, which adds another element that quarterback Aaron Rodgers will have to worry about.
"I don’t know if there is anybody (who can do what Parsons does),” said quarterback Aaron Rodgers on Wednesday. “I think Dan (Quinn) does a great job of using him in a lot of different personnel packages. He’s on the line of scrimmage in some of them, he’s off the ball, and he drops in coverage. He’s got a lot of things you just can’t coach, you can emphasize, but the effort that he plays with is incredible. He’s made some incredible effort plays. He’s definitely one of one in this league, and I don’t know if there is anybody doing as many things as they’re asking him to do.”"
While the Cowboys pass rush will certainly test the Green Bay offensive line, where the Packers’ offense can have success is on the ground. Dallas is allowing 4.7 yards per carry this season, and they rank 29th in run-block win rate, according to ESPN. Between the run and passing games, there is no reason that Aaron Jones shouldn’t have 25 touches today.
In addition to Bakhtiari being active, so is Amari Rodgers, who was added to the injury report late in the week. Rodgers has seen his role in the offense increase due to injuries, playing over 20 snaps per game the last four weeks. Out of the Packers’ five available receivers today, he will likely be the fifth option, but due to a lack of depth at the position because of injuries, his availability was needed for the Packers.
On the flip side, the Packers’ inactive list is as expected. Krys Barnes, who was doubtful, will not play. Neither will De’Vondre Campbell, who was already ruled out. This means that the Packers starting linebackers will be Quay Walker and Isaiah McDuffie. Keep your eyes on the Cowboy tight ends, as Dallas could try to exploit this matchup.
Also ruled out are Romeo Doubs and Shemar Jean-Charles. With Jean-Charles out and Eric Stokes on IR, the Packers signed Corey Ballantine to the 53-man roster on Saturday to bolster cornerback depth. While I wouldn’t expect to see him on defense, he will play on special teams.
Lastly, rookies Rasheed Walker and Jonathan Ford, who have been inactive all season, are again unavailable. As is offensive lineman Luke Tenuta, who was signed off the Indianapolis practice squad last month.