Green Bay Packers update status of veteran Kenny Clark
The COVID-19 hits keep coming in the NFL. This time, it’s the Green Bay Packers adding a name to the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Veteran nose tackle Kenny Clark landed in COVID-19 protocols on Thursday, Packers coach Matt LaFleur confirmed. Given the timing, he likely won’t play Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Tom Silverstein.
Clark has been a big part of the Packers’ defensive line since arriving in Green Bay in 2016. He has 38 tackles and four sacks so far this season, including two tackles last week against the Chicago Bears. He also has 54 quarterback pressures this season — third among NFL defensive linemen.
The Packers are coming off a 45-30 win over the Bears on Sunday Night Football last week. They’re 10-3 and currently hold the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoff picture.
Green Bay and Baltimore kick off Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.
Packers get good news regarding David Bakhtiari injury
After tearing his ACL before the 2021 season began, David Bakhtiari has made the long rehab effort to get back onto the field for Green Bay before the playoffs. Bakhtiari attempted to return to practices on Oct. 20, and appeared close to a return before going back to his fully unavailable status.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur wasn’t sure before Wednesday’s practice if Bakhtiari would be present at all, as the practice was only a walkthrough. Even during his press conference appearance before practice began, LaFleur stated he didn’t expect to see him on the field for drills.
“Just taking it a day at a time and when they’re ready to go, they’ll be out there,” LaFleur stated. “So you know, hopefully, I think Jaire [Alexander] will be out there for some but those other guys will not.”
To the surprise of his coach and anyone waiting for his return, Bakhtiari did make it for drills after all. The sight of him on the field is a good indication that he’s getting closer to his return.
Bakhtiari was officially listed on the Packers practice injury report as a limited participant. Although the practice was a walkthrough only with limited activity, simply having him on the field was a boost to the team.
The Packers haven’t made any official indication on whether or not Bakhtiari will be available for Sunday’s game against Baltimore. While there is certainly excitement around the team and fans that he will return soon to the offensive line, the remainder of the week’s practice will tell more about his availability Sunday.