Packers: Top 10 players to watch at training camp 2022
1. T David Bakhtiari
The Packers desperately missed All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari in each of their past two playoff exits. He missed both postseason runs due to a torn ACL that has limited him to just one game since he got injured on New Year’s Eve 2020.
Head coach Matt LaFleur said they “fully anticipate” that Bakhtiari will be good to go at the start of training camp but added the same was true a year ago.
Matt LaFleur on David Bakhtiari: "Time will tell. We fully anticipate him being ready to go, but, you know, we did last year as well. Time will tell. But we feel good about the work he's put in and where's he at."
— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) June 14, 2022
Every answer is a mix of ominous and hopeful and uncertain
The fact Bakhtiari was held out of practice during the offseason program may have been the plan the entire time. But was it a sign that the All-Pro still wasn’t ready to return?
If Bakhtiari is indeed back out there, will he be able to return to his best form? Prior to getting hurt, Bakhtiari had been an All-Pro five straight years.
What if he isn’t ready to go at training camp? In that case, it will raise some concerns about the Packers’ situation at tackle entering the 2022 season, especially while Elgton Jenkins continues his recovery from a torn ACL.
Getting Bakhtiari back at full strength would be huge for the Packers’ offense. They have missed their star pass-protector.
Bakhtiari’s status for training camp will be one of the top storylines a few weeks from now. Expect Matt LaFleur to be asked about Bakhtiari’s status in his next press conference later this month.