Packers’ Offensive Line Woes: A Call for David Bakhtiari’s Return?

In what can only be described as an offensive shootout that left fans both exhilarated and exhausted, the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys battled to a rare 40-40 tie in overtime during their Week 4 matchup. Coming off a disappointing loss to the Cleveland Browns, the Packers were expected to demonstrate resilience and determination. Instead, what unfolded was a game that, while not technically a defeat, certainly didn’t feel like a victory for Matt LaFleur’s squad. The result dropped Green Bay to a 2-1-1 record, a sobering reality check for a team that had been widely discussed as a serious Super Bowl contender after impressive victories over the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders in the season’s opening weeks. The initial optimism surrounding the Packers has now given way to uncertainty as they head into their bye week with plenty to contemplate before facing the Cincinnati Bengals in their next contest.

The most glaring issue that emerged from the Dallas showdown was the alarming state of Green Bay’s offensive line. Decimated by injuries, the unit struggled mightily without key contributors Aaron Banks, Zach Tom, and Anthony Belton. The protection breakdowns were evident throughout the game, hampering the offense’s ability to execute consistently despite putting up 40 points. This vulnerability has sparked conversations among fans and analysts alike about potential solutions, with one name resonating particularly strongly in Packers circles: David Bakhtiari. The former All-Pro tackle, whose career in Green Bay was cut short by persistent knee issues, has become the subject of half-serious, half-desperate calls for a comeback. Though Bakhtiari hasn’t shown public interest in returning to football since his departure, the mere mention of his name evokes memories of the stability and excellence he once brought to the Packers’ offensive front.

Social media has been abuzz with playful recruitment attempts directed at Bakhtiari. Easton Butler of Packer Report posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Hey @DavidBakhtiari, how’re you doing outside of football? Do you have any plans to return and play, or are you ‘retired’?” Similarly, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic directly tagged the former tackle with a simple “Let’s ask @DavidBakhtiari,” when discussions about offensive line solutions arose. These public appeals, while perhaps more wishful thinking than realistic recruitment strategies, reflect the genuine concern Packers fans have about their team’s protection issues and the high regard in which Bakhtiari is still held within the fan base.

Despite the nostalgic appeal of a Bakhtiari return, reality suggests this scenario remains unlikely. The severe knee injuries that ultimately ended his tenure with the Packers appear to have led him to step away from the game entirely. There’s been no indication from Bakhtiari himself that he’s considering a comeback, and the physical demands of the position would present significant challenges after his extended absence from the field. Nevertheless, the fact that fans and media alike are calling for his return speaks volumes about both the severity of Green Bay’s current offensive line situation and the lasting impact Bakhtiari made during his time with the organization.

The tie against Dallas, while keeping the Packers undefeated in regulation thus far this season, has created a pivotal moment for the team’s identity and trajectory. At 2-1-1, Green Bay finds itself at a crossroads – still positioned well enough in the standings to achieve their lofty goals, yet clearly displaying vulnerabilities that could derail their season if left unaddressed. The bye week comes at an opportune time, giving LaFleur and his coaching staff the chance to reassess their approach, potentially get healthier on the offensive line, and develop strategies to overcome their protection issues. When they emerge to face the Bengals, the Packers will have the opportunity to demonstrate whether they’re truly the contender they appeared to be early in the season or if more fundamental issues will continue to plague them.

While David Bakhtiari likely isn’t coming out of retirement to rescue the Packers’ offensive line, his legacy serves as a reminder of what stable, elite tackle play means to a team with championship aspirations. The current Green Bay roster will need to find solutions from within – through coaching adjustments, scheme modifications, and the potential return of injured starters. As they navigate this challenging period, the Packers organization knows that their ability to protect the quarterback will be central to whatever success they achieve this season. The David Bakhtiari speculation may be mostly in jest, but the underlying concern it represents is very real for a team still hoping to contend in an increasingly competitive NFC landscape.