Packers place star tackle David Bakhtiari on PUP list

Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari will begin training camp on the PUP list.

The Green Bay Packers were hoping to have All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari available for the start of training camp, but it appears he will still be out of action when the team returns to practice next week.

According to ESPN’s Field Yates, the Packers have placed Bakhtiari on the physically unable to perform list to begin training camp.

This has to be a real concern.

Bakhtiari suffered a torn ACL on New Year’s Eve 2020, over a year-and-a-half ago.

Initially, the hope was for Bakhtiari to return around midseason in 2021, but his return was delayed until Week 18. Even then, he played a limited number of snaps before exiting the game. He didn’t play two weeks later in the playoffs.

Bakhtiari was then held out of practice during the Packers’ organized team activities and minicamp this offseason.

The fact the five-time All-Pro still isn’t ready to return is concerning.

The good news is that the Packers can choose to activate him at any time. So if Bakhtiari is cleared next week, he can be taken off the PUP list.

However, the fact he is still recovering from an injury he suffered in December 2020 is concerning.

Bakhtiari’s status will likely be one of the main topics when reporters speak to Packers head coach Matt LaFleur in the coming days.

Hopefully, Bakhtiari will be cleared to return at some point and can resume his role as the Packers’ starting left tackle.

When healthy, Bakhtiari is one of the best pass-protectors in the NFL. He has been named an All-Pro five times and is also a three-time Pro Bowler.

After missing almost the entire 2021 season, the hope is that Bakhtiari can return this year. However, being placed on the PUP list to start training camp is concerning.