The Green Bay Packers lost the game, but they might have dodged a major bullet in the injury department during Sunday’s 38-10 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
According to coach Matt LaFleur, the Packers are hopeful left tackle David Bakhtiari avoided a serious injury.
“I don’t believe so,” LaFleur said when asked if Bakhtiari suffered a significant injury. “But he’s still getting evaluated. We’re hopeful that he’ll be OK.”
Bakhtiari exited the game after suffering a chest injury in the third quarter. He walked off the field and was evaluated on the sideline before exiting to the locker room for further evaluation. The Packers eventually ruled him out in the fourth quarter.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers said Bakhtiari was in good spirits after the game.
The Packers replaced Bakhtiari with veteran Rick Wagner, who gave up a sack to Jason Pierre-Paul and a tackle for loss to Lavonte David after entering the game.
It’s unclear at this point if Bakhtiari will be able to play next Sunday against the Houston Texans.
A four-time All-Pro, Bakhtiari is one of the game’s best left tackles and an integral part of the Packers’ offensive line. He is playing the 2020 season on the final year of his current contract.