David Bakhtiari injury update seems to confirm Packers fans worst fears
David Bakhtiari confirmed he won't play again this season, and he faces an uncertain future with the Green Bay Packers.
Ongoing knee issues have frustrated Bakhtiari since he suffered a significant injury during practice on New Year's Eve 2020. He has only played 13 times since.
Bakhtiari started in the Packers' season opener against the Chicago Bears, putting in a dominant performance that reminded everyone why he is a five-time All-Pro. Unfortunately, Green Bay's superstar left tackle had further knee issues that landed him on injured reserve.
On Friday, Bakhtiari provided an update on his situation and future with the Packers.
David Bakhtiari may have played his final game for Packers
Bakhtiari confirmed that his season is over, but he has no plans to retire. He revealed that he needs another surgery that ends any chance of playing again this year.
#Packers LT David Bakhtiari just addressed reporters on his medical condition. The takeaways: needs one more surgery and is out for season. Doctors are confident it's a cartilage issue that they suspected was there but couldn't prove it was the issue. Hopes to be ready by camp.
— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) October 6, 2023
His focus now shifts to getting healthy for training camp. However, his future in Green Bay is far from certain.
It's a financial decision for the Packers. The team is on the hook for a $40.58 million cap hit next year if Bakhtiari remains under contract. Releasing or trading Bakhtiari next offseason reduces that number to $19.08 million. That's still a significant number, especially for a player no longer on the roster, but it is likely the Packers' best option.
Green Bay would have to find a new long-term starting tackle, while Bakhtiari would have the chance to join a contender in the latter stages of his career. A reunion with Aaron Rodgers?
Speaking of Rodgers, Bakhtiari couldn't help but take a shot at his close friend and former teammate when discussing his Packers future.
"I have a really good relationship with Brian [Gutekunst]. He's been awesome with me. I pick up all his FaceTimes," said Bakhtiari, per Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated.
Bakhtiari is referring to Rodgers blaming a lack of cell service for not answering the Packers' calls, saying that to get hold of him, they "need to FaceTime me."
We hope this isn't the end for Bakhtiari in Green Bay, but with a huge cap hit on the way in 2024, there's a good chance he has played his final game at left tackle for the Packers.
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