Report: Packers David Bakhtiari expected to make season debut vs Buccaneers

The Green Bay Packers and their fans finally get the news they have been waiting for since Week 1. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Green Bay’s offensive tackle David Bakhtiari is expected to make his season debut on Sunday.

“Packers’ OT David Bakhtiari, listed as questionable for Sunday due to his lingering knee issues, is expected to make his 2022 regular-season debut vs. the Buccaneers, per source,” wrote Schefter via Twitter.

Bakhtiari missed the majority of last season, recovering from ACL surgery prior to the 2021 campaign. The Packers’ All-Pro left tackle was able to suit up and play in Green Bay’s final game of the 2021 season but did not play again due to discomfort in the surgically repaired knee. During the offseason, Bakhtiari underwent another less invasive surgical procedure on the knee, which he is currently recovering from. Fellow offensive tackle Elgin Jenkins started in place of Bakhtiari in 2021 but fell victim to the same injury, tearing his ACL in week 11 against the Minnesota Vikings.

The All-Pro left tackle’s absence has definitely been felt in the Packers’ first two games of the season, especially against the Vikings in Week 1. Against Minnesota, Green Bay’s offensive line allowed four sacks for a loss of 33 yards. With him back, that gives quarterback Aaron Rodgers some much-needed pass protection.

Packers place Sammy Watkins on IR, announce other additions

The Packers made multiple roster moves ahead of their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week. One of Aaron Rodgers’ top targets is now heading to the injured reserve, too.

Green Bay placed Sammy Watkins on the IR with a hamstring injury on Saturday, more than 24 hours ahead of its matchup against Tom Brady and the Buccaneers on Sunday. As a result, Juwann Winfree is moving up from the practice squad.

Running back Patrick Taylor is also joining the big club from the practice squad, the team announced.

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Watkins started this week limited in practice, but missed Thursday and Friday before Green Bay ruled him out for Sunday’s game. He currently leads the Packers in receiving yards with 111 receiving yards, but doesn’t have a receiving touchdown yet.

Now, it’ll be next man up for the Packers against the Buccaneers Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.