Green Bay Packers’ All-Pro left tackle, David Bakhtiari, faced another setback in his nearly three-year journey to recover from a torn left ACL, as the team placed him on injured reserve.
Bakhtiari was already ruled out for the upcoming game against the Lions, and now, he faces a minimum absence of three additional games. His earliest potential comeback date is set for November 5th when the Packers take on the Rams.
The #Packers are placing All-Pro LT David Bakhtiari on Injured Reserve, knocking him out at least the next four games, per me and @TomPelissero. But given his knee situation, it’s unclear when or if Bakhtiari will return this season. pic.twitter.com/l6A2iDAE3N
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 28, 2023
Despite undergoing multiple surgeries to address the issue, Bakhtiari’s recovery progress has been sluggish, raising doubts about his availability for the remainder of the season, and perhaps even for his future career.
This development represents a substantial setback for the Packers, given Bakhtiari’s status as one of the league’s premier offensive tackles when he is in peak form. However, the lingering knee concerns cast uncertainty over his ability to sustain an extended period of gameplay without recurring issues.
From @NFLGameDay Kickoff: #Packers All-Pro LT David Bakhtiari was officially placed on Injured Reserve today following arthroscopic knee surgery yesterday, sources say. Another surgery is planned in the coming weeks, one aimed at allowing him to play at full strength in 2024. pic.twitter.com/uvfQQ8ZZOd
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 28, 2023
Previously, the Packers had attempted to manage Bakhtiari’s workload through a limited practice schedule, aiming to preserve his health. Head coach Matt LaFleur had stated in July:
“He’ll definitely be modified, quite a bit. It will be fluid. Just the communication with him, the medical staff, myself, the coaches. We know what type of player he is, he’s proved himself. Any time you have a veteran player with that much experience, then you’re willing to do that. You want the best for David because when he’s out there and playing, we’re a better football team. It’s going to be fluid.”
Currently, Rasheed Walker has been starting at left tackle for the Packers in the past two games, suggesting he may be the option the team leans on moving forward.
