The Express Dope: Thursday, Aug 8th, 2013

Occasionally, I'll post some quick news hits to summarize the last few days of action. These segments will henceforth be known as 'The Express Dope.'

Tackle Bryan Bulaga is out for the
season again. Photo fred: ESPN

Bulaga officially ruled out: Consider any glimmer of hope subsided. The hobbled tackle had hoped a second opinion would permit him to play the season through on his torn ACL—not impossible for a position like offensive line. Common sense prevailed however, and Bulaga has decided to put himself on the shelf (again). This is clearly the best decision for his career, and his long term health in general. It's arguably the best decision for the team as well, who can now give rookie David Bakhtiari the full necessary tutelage to take over a daunting role. Bakhtiari has already exceeded expectation in camp, and all eyes will be on him during this Friday's preseason opener against the Cardinals.

Vince Young signed: The 30 year-old journeyman QB was brought in for a workout this past Monday and never left. While head coach Mike McCarthy states Young's signing is in no way a reflection on fellow backups BJ Coleman and Graham Harrell, it's hard not to view it as a slight indictment. The two have competed only against each other the past two seasons, and a capable number two slinger has not emerged. Young brings experience, athleticism, and a rocket arm to what had been a tepid backup QB competition. This should get interesting fast.

Cobb Injures Bicep: The Packers not-so-secret weapon, WR Randall Cobb, bowed out of Tuesday's practice early with what was later reported as a bicep injury. Cobb was seen midway through practice with an ice sling over his arm. The ice came off after a short time, but he took no further reps. Cobb returned to practice Wednesday, but was extremely limited and could be seen favoring the arm at times. The coaching staff doesn't seem worried, but keep in mind they have no obligation to discuss injuries in detail at this point in camp.

Nelson's Knee Flares Up: Workhorse WR Jordy Nelson underwent a procedure this week to repair a nerve in his knee, which flared up at the start of camp. The issue dates back to his college days, so it's nothing new. But the rehab period will have the valuable WR sidelined for all of preseason, with an optimistic timetable having him ready for the home opener (slash playoff rematch) against the San Francisco 49ers.

Kicking Contest Heats Up: Kicker Mason Crosby has said he doesn't feel pressure from competing leg, Giorgio Tavecchio. But perhaps he should. Crosby's struggles from last season—he was the NFL's least accurate kicker—have seemingly rolled over into the new year. He struggled at the Family Night Scrimmage, and is routinely tying or losing to Giorgio Tavecchio in kick-for-kick contests. Coaching and management have publicly made it clear that his efforts have not cut it, and Crosby agrees. Crosby's saving grace might be Tavecchio's questionable leg-strength. Though highly accurate, Tavecchio has struggled on kickoffs, many falling flat shy of the five yard-line. If Tavecchio does win the job, the team may have punter Tim Masthay kick off, as he has plenty of leg. Masthay's problem is accuracy and consistency on kickoffs. Then again, he's a punter. Look for a game of musical chairs at the position this Friday against the Cardinals.

Bulaga Tears ACL, Bakhtiari Pressed Into Duty

Rookie tackle David Bakhtiari has
impressed early in camp.
Photo Cred: JSOnline.com

A week ago, David Bakhtiari was nothing more than a pleasant surprise, a D4 tackle vying for a starting gig on the right side of the line. Today he finds himself running with the 1's at left tackle, arguably the line's most crucial position. Bakhtiari replaces Bryan Bulaga, who suffered an ACL tear during Saturday's Family Night Scrimmage. Bulaga had recently been moved from right to left tackle, a move aimed at bolstering a line which surrendered a league-high 51 sacks in 2012. How quickly things change. Enter a rookie tasked with plugging up the NFL's most pourous offensive line. Bakhtiari will look to shed scouts' perception that he is a "finesse" tackle, a nice way of saying he's smarter than he is strong. And so far in camp, the rookie has done just that. He's stood out in one-on-one drills, occasionally besting physical specimens like Clay Matthews and fellow rookie Datone Jones. The young tackle assumes his daunting role beginning with today's padded work. He does so with the blessing of a coaching staff who hopes he can graduate from a finesse tackle and a pleasant surprise, to a steal of a fourth round pick.