Packers activate tackle David Bakhtiari from PUP list

There’s good news for the Green Bay Packers‘ offense.

On Sunday, the Packers activated All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari from the physically unable to perform list, per Wes Hodkiewicz of Packers.com. It’s another big step towards Bakhtiari being cleared to return.

It has been a long road back for Bakhtiari, who suffered a significant knee injury on New Year’s Eve 2020. Since then, he has only been active for one game, the Packers’ Week 18 loss to the Detroit Lions last season.

Bakhtiari only played around a quarter in that game.

He began this summer’s training camp on the PUP list, which added some doubt about when he would be cleared to return.

So, when could Bakhtiari return to action? Could he play in Week 1?

Right now, that remains unclear. Head coach Matt LaFleur said that they are “going to take it one day at a time”, according to Mike Spofford of Packers.com.

That’s the right approach to take. The team shouldn’t rush Bakhtiari back into action. It will be a gradual process.

But it’s a positive step in the right direction.

Last week, Green Bay activated Pro Bowl offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins from the PUP list. Jenkins will likely start at tackle along with Bakhtiari, giving Green Bay an excellent starting tackle duo.

The Packers have missed Bakhtiari in their previous two postseason defeats. More than anything, if he is fully healthy in time for the playoffs, it could be huge for a Super Bowl run.

Of course, the team needs to get to the playoffs first, but they are more than talented enough to get there.

Having Bakhtiari return in Week 1 would be great, but the Packers won’t rush it.

But today’s news is a step forward. Bakhtiari is one step closer to his return, and that’s great news for the offensive line.