NFC Notes: Lions, Packers, Vikings

Lions

• Lions QB Matthew Stafford said he’s getting X-rays on his thumb. (Dave Birkett)
• Stafford said he went to grip the ball and his hand “didn’t feel so hot.” (Chris Burke)

Packers

The Packers locked up LT David Bakhtiari to a record four-year extension worth up to $105.5 million this weekend. 

Bakhtiari told reporters after Sunday’s game that he’s very appreciative of the commitment from the team and all they’ve done for him. 

“I appreciate them taking a chance on me in ’13 and drafting me in the fourth round and trusting me with the blindside, making me a top-five highest-paid left tackle and then now making me the highest-paid offensive lineman, especially to do it with one team it’s an honor,” Bakhtiari said, via ESPN.com. “That’s something that, that I really appreciate and I do love it here, and I love representing the Packers. It’s been a nice match and something that I don’t want to look back at now but later on in my life it isn’t something special to say I spent this much time here. Not too many people in their professional career get to that long of a career in one area. There’s still work to do but I’m continuing that track and on that pace and it’s much appreciated.”

Packers GM Brian Gutekunst mentioned that he’s excited about having Bakhtiari in place as their left tackle for the next four years. 

“You gotta give a lot of credit to Dave and the work ethic, and what he’s done, not only to become the player he’s become but to stay out there,” Gutekunst said, via ESPN.com. “It was good to get him back tonight, and it’s good to have him for the next four years.”

• Bakhtiari said he was dealing with broken ribs that cost him a few games. (Tom Silverstein)
• Bakhtiari mentioned that he told his agent not to tell him about negotiations until there was an offer that would make him the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history: “I felt like I had earned and deserved that title, and I wanted to make sure the contract was real and reflected that.” (Ryan Wood)
• Gutekunst told reporters that he thinks Bakhtiari’s deal gives them more cap flexibility entering the uncertain 2021 situation. (Matt Schneidman)
• Gutekunst also said extending Bakhtiari was a priority, but things really picked up in the past week: “We thought there was some light at the end of the tunnel” about a week ago. (Ryan Wood)

Vikings

• The Vikings ruled out DE Jordan Brailford (Personal), CB Cameron Dantzler (Concussion) and G Dru Samia (Illness) for Monday’s game against the Bears. 
• Minnesota also announced that assistant offensive line coach Phil Rauscher will not travel to Chicago for Monday’s game.