It’s official — David Bakhtiari’s season is done.
On Saturday, the Green Bay Packers announced that they have placed their star left tackle on injured reserve. Although he would be eligible to return after three weeks on the list, Bakhtiari’s season is surely finished, as head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed that the knee injury he suffered in practice on Thursday will not allow him to play the rest of the year.
The Packers have yet to announce their plans to replace Bakhtiari in the starting lineup — that surely will not be revealed until shortly before kickoff of their regular season finale against the Chicago Bears — but his replacement on the 53-man roster is now known. The Packers called up guard Ben Braden from the practice squad to fill that spot; this will be Braden’s second stint on the active roster, and between that stretch and some gameday activations from the practice squad, he has suited up for three games this year.
Additionally, Green Bay elevated a practice squad defensive lineman for Sunday. Brian Price will be eligible to play in his second straight game, having suited up for the Packers in last Sunday’s win over the Titans. Price will be needed because of Kingsley Keke’s absence, as the second-year pro will be out on Sunday due to a concussion. Look also for new arrival Damon Harrison to suit up against the Bears.
Finally, the Packers have re-signed the player that they waived to make room for Harrison earlier this week. That player is lineman Anthony Rush, who cleared waivers and is returning to the practice squad to take the open spot created by Braden’s elevation.
