Packers taking steps toward getting healthier

In order to be eligible to play this season, Bahktiari would have to be activated to the 53-man roster by the middle of next week, when his 21-day window to practice with a roster exemption expires. LaFleur left open the possibility Bakhtiari could be activated but not be inserted into the starting lineup until later.

He’s made his presence felt at team workouts for the last couple of weeks, though, and his teammates appreciate that.

“It’s been so exciting to have him at practice,” said center Lucas Patrick, who has filled in for rookie starter Josh Myers the past two-plus games. “To have the best offensive lineman in the NFL out here with our group, it just raises our practice habits. Not that we weren’t going hard, but his attention to detail is phenomenal.

“It’s not just the physical. It’s the mental, even the emotional, riding steady through the whole game and whole practice. Yeah, love to have him back as soon as possible. I’m just happy to have him at practice and bring that edge that he brings.”

Veteran offensive tackle Dennis Kelly also has returned to practice after an extended absence due to a back injury, while outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith was at practice as an observer Monday following his return to Green Bay.

Recovering from back surgery, Smith has been sidelined since making a part-time appearance in Week 1, and the team is holding out hope he can be back at some point by season’s end. LaFleur considers him week-to-week right now.

“He had a big smile on his face,” LaFleur said. “He seems to be in good spirits, which is always important. It was just good to have him back in the building.”

The players had a short practice Monday after their weekend off, and they’ll now take their regular Tuesday off before the on-field preparation for the Chiefs begins Wednesday.

In the meantime, the coaching staff will be watching Kansas City on Monday Night Football and then incorporating that film into the study materials for this week. The two-time defending AFC champion Chiefs have started slowly and are looking to even their record at 4-4 by getting a home victory over the 2-5 Giants.

“We’ll definitely be paying close attention to this game,” LaFleur said. “I don’t buy their record right now. I know that they are as dangerous as anybody.”