Packers: 5 biggest concerns entering 2022 season
4. David Bakhtiari’s status
In June, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said they “fully anticipate” David Bakhtiari to be ready to go for training camp, but he didn’t sound confident.
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
Bakhtiari has played one game since tearing his ACL in December 2020. He returned for the Packers’ Week 18 game against the Detroit Lions last season, where he played a limited role. But Bakhtiari was then unable to go in the divisional round two weeks later.
The Packers have missed the five-time All-Pro left tackle during their previous two postseason losses. Getting him back fully healthy this season would be a huge boost for the offense.
Hopefully Bakhtiari will be good to go at training camp and is back to 100 percent.
But only time will tell. Initially, the expectation was for Bakhtiari to return from injury last season and be ready for the playoffs.
The fact we’re still not sure about his status for training camp is a little concerning, as we are now a year-and-a-half removed from when he suffered the injury.
If Bakhtiari is cleared to return and is back to his best this season, the Packers’ offense becomes a lot stronger.
His status will be something to watch when training camp begins this month.