For the second successive week, the Green Bay Packers underwhelmed after an ultra-hot, 2-0 start.
Only this tine, it was on prime time for all to see, as continual defensive breakdowns and further issues on special teams allowed the Dallas Cowboys into the game and into overtime, as the teams tied in a 40-40 thriller.
Despite the minor defensive concerns, and the major special teams ones, one core area that looks to be a key target for roster renovation is on the offensive line, where the team is currently short two starters.
Both guard, Aaron Banks, who came over from the San Francisco 49ers in a 4 year, $77 million move this past free agency period, and right tackle, Zach Tom, who received a 4 year, $88 million extension this past summer, missed Sunday’s game – and the team certainly felt it.
Jordan Morgan was once again a liability, both in the run game and with regards to penalty-discipline, and whilst Darian Kinnard filled in better than rookie Anthony Belton did last weekend, the unit could certainly use with an upgrade.
Packers Plead With Organization To Bring In OL Help
So fans and members of the Packers media have starting asking on social media whether former five-time All-Pro, David Bakhtiari, would consider returning to the team on a short-term basis.
“Hey David Bakhtiari, how’re you doing outside of football?” 247 Sports’ Easton Butler posted on Monday. “Do you have any plans to return and play, or are you “retired”?”
A fan asked The Athletic’s Green Bay Packers correspondent, Matt Schneidman, whether the team would consider bringing in the former 4th round pick for a workout, and Schneidman certainly seemed to tacitly endorse the idea.
“Any chance we could bring Baktiari in for a workout? He has to be better than Jordan Morgan. Even coming straight off the couch.” Nathan Wade wrote, to which Schneidman replied: “Let’s ask David Bakhtiari”.
Could David Bakhtiari Return To The Packers?
Bakhtiari himself has not commented on the situation, although he did give current Packers wideout, Romeo Doubs, an interestingly-timed shoutout after his three-touchdown game.
“Romeo Doubs success is the fact that he is a Pros Pro.” Bakhtiari said on Monday, “Very detailed and reliable with steady improvement. The best part is the kind of man he is off the field. Genuine and heartfelt. I’m a big fan of Rome’s game as a player, and character as a person.”
These words are hardly a confirmation of his love, respect and desire to return to the Packers in the very near future. But it is perhaps maybe a slight indicator that he is keeping the team on his radar, especially since he would have no doubt heard the voices online clamoring for him to return after having not played since the 2023 season.
Whether he could actually return – it would seem unlikely, even if only on a short-term basis. Bakhtiari struggled with injuries over the past three years in Green Bay – the only team he played for in his illustrious 11-year career in the NFL – and it is not clear that these would magically alleviate and allow him to return as a full-time football player.
But anything is possible – and having him on either bookend of the line would likely help the team out substantially in pass protection.