Aaron Rodgers’ quote on losing David Bakhtiari for season is heartbreaking

Aaron Rodgers and the Packers got some devastating news ahead of their playoff run.

One of Rodgers’ top offensive linemen, David Bakhtiari, is out for the season with a knee injury. The Packers called it a “freak injury” and something no one could’ve seen coming.

Rodgers and Bakhtiari have played together for nearly a decade. That sort of connection, both on and off the field, leads to a brotherhood. Rodgers has long spoken of his friendship with his 29-year-old protector. Upon finding out that he wouldn’t be able to take part in yet another postseason run, Rodgers was understandably emotional.

“I think it’s still kind of in the grieving process for me,” Rodgers said. “Was hoping for some good news. Didn’t get it. You’ve got to move on, but right now it’s still a little raw.”

Will the Packers be able to overcome the loss of Bakhtiari?

The NFC is so wide open that the loss of a player as influential as Bakhtiari could make a major difference come playoff time. For example, what if the Packers go up against a team with a superior pass rush, such as the Los Angeles Rams and Aaron Donald, come the divisional round? Such a matchup could become overwhelming if Bakhtiari’s replacement fails to provide some sort of comfort for Rodgers.

Despite being in line for another MVP award, Rodgers is still 37 years old. He can move around in the pocket, but he’s not as mobile as he used to be. With the best pass-rushers in all of football bearing down on him come playoff time, reaching another Super Bowl just became that much tougher without Bakhtiari protecting either side.