:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/17418923/20120913_kkt_sh5_288.0.jpg)
The San Francisco 49ers will host the Green Bay Packers a month from now, and the 49ers defense has received a bit of a boost in the news. Numerous media outlets are reporting that Packers left tackle Bryan Bulaga has suffered a torn ACL. The loss is a big deal for the Packers entire season, but for our purposes, his absence from Week 1 will be notable.
Bulaga spent last season at right tackle, and was moved over to the blind side this past May. That article linked above indicated rookie David Bakhtiari (brother of former 49ers LB Eric Bakhtiari) could be moving into the starting lineup in place of Bulaga. The question is whether he'll play left tackle, or if Marshall Newhouse will move back over from right to left tackle.
Whatever the case, you have to think Aldon Smith and Justin Smith are salivating at the prospect of facing either a rookie, or a guy who the Packers did not trust to keep over there. The 49ers sacked Aaron Rodgers three times a year ago, but only once in the NFC divisional round. With the pass rush healthy once again, and the depth replenished, this could provide a great opportunity when Week 1 rolls around.