The Chicago Bears still have a month to go before they see their first actual game action of the 2018 season. Based on their latest practice, which head coach Matt Nagy deemed “sloppy,” it’s clear there’s still plenty of work to do for them to prepare. All the while their opponent would appear to be holding all the cards in their favor.
The Green Bay Packers will be at home for Sunday Night Football in the opener against the Bears. The last two times the teams played there in primetime, the Packers were victorious in runaway fashion. With the return of Aaron Rodgers from his collarbone injury last season, most assume it will be more of the same this year.
Except this is presuming the two teams are the same as they were the past two years. It’s not the case. The Bears might be one of the most improved teams on paper in 2018 while their defense proved in the Hall of Fame game it’s not only strong but also deep. Green Bay on the other hand just receiver some unwelcome news.
Chicago Bears may not have to see Packers left tackle in September
Probably the second-most indispensable player on the Packers offense after Rodgers himself is left tackle David Bakhtiari. The two-time All-Pro is considered one of the best pass protecting tackles in football and a big reason behind Rodgers’ continued success. Pro Football Focus recently highlighted how good he is through a creative stat regarding pressures allowed on third downs.
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David Bakhtiari has allowed the lowest pressure rate on third down over the past two seasons. pic.twitter.com/Ky2W1AX58T
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) August 2, 2018
It’s not a coincidence that Rodgers has a combined 103.5 quarterback rating on third down over the past two years. Not having to worry about your blind side is a rare commodity for QBs in the NFL. Well based on the latest buzz coming out of Packers training camp? That may become a thing for the two-time MVP this coming season.
Bakhtiari has his left shoe and sock off and is going to be taken to the locker room on a cart. Not a very good sign.
— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) August 5, 2018
The severity of the injury is not yet known but the fact that Bakhtiari had to remove his shoes and socks and be taken away on a cart is not the best look. If anything is broken or torn down there, he’s looking at likely months of recovery. That means he’s sure to miss the season opener at Lambeau Field against Chicago on September 9th.
Something to note? The last time Bakhtiari missed games was in 2015. He missed the final two contests of the season. Green Bay was blown out in both games and scored just 21 points total. Rodgers was sacked 14 times in those two games. So yeah, this could be a pretty big deal.
