David Bakhtiari gives injury update as Packers prepare for training camp

David Bakhtiari – upload.wikimedia.org

Offensive tackle David Bakhtiari has provided an update on his injury as the Green Bay Packers are preparing for their training camp ahead of a critical and uncertain 2023-2024 NFL season.

The 32-year-old has had a long and difficult recovery, raising concerns about his future with the Packers. Now a regular participant in OTAs, he has undergone three knee surgeries since 2021.

Bakhtiari missed most of the last two seasons and was sidelined for six games last year due to injury. Even if he does not play a full 17-game this season, his presence on the field is expected to be a major boost for the Packers.

“I feel really good,” said Bakhtiari in an interview with the Green Bay Press-Gazette. “Obviously I don’t want to jinx it or oversell anything. But I think it will show up in how much I play.”

Aside from Bakhtiari, who might be returning soon, the Packers also have another wildcard in quarterback Jordan Love. Cornerback Jaire Alexander called him the “best QB in the league,” despite only playing since 2020. So far, he has started one game in his first two seasons and lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Lukas Van Ness, the Packers’ 13th overall pick, is expected to contribute to Packers’ defense this season. He will learn from two solid pass rushers, Preston Smith and Rashan Gary, and rotate in during games before becoming a starter.

Bakhtiari’s uncertain future with the Packers

Bakhtiari previously dropped some ambiguous comments about his future in Green Bay, which may concern some fans. However, he assured fans that he would focus on delivering exceptional pass-blocking skills to support Love and outmatch opposing linemen when he steps onto the field.

Packers GM Brian Gutekunst is hopeful that All-Pro “Bakh” will return to the team in 2023. Gutekunst acknowledged Bakhtiari’s history of injuries, but the team is confident in his health based on what they have seen this season.

“I think we’re hopeful that he’s kind of cleared some of those injury hurdles that he had the last few years,” said Gutenkunst.

Gutekunst also said that Bakhtiari had gotten into a really good rhythm of learning what he needed to practice to get to the games. He is optimistic that this rhythm will serve the left tackle well.