Packers GM Brian Gutekunst provides injury update on David Bakhtiari

Days after placing former All-Pro offensive lineman David Bakhtiari on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list heading into training camp, Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst addressed where the highly touted left tackle is on his road to recovery – though it wasn’t the update Packers fans were hoping for.

Currently, Bakhtiari still working his way back from an ACL he suffered way back in December of 2020. The star left tackle was sidelined for all but one game in 2021 as he dealt with fluid build-up that eventually required a second surgery.

“We’re not going to put a timetable on [the injury],” Gutekunst said following day one of training camp. “But what I will say is, you know, Dave had a very significant injury – much more than just an ACL way back when it occurred … He did have another procedure in the offseason, but I think that we’re cautiously optimistic.”

Bakhtiari’s single appearance in 2021 – a Week 18 matchup against the Lions – saw him exit the game early where he never returned.

“I thought he busted his tail to get back last season, and then as we went through that last game versus Detroit, I think when he came out of that, he wasn’t particularly happy with how [his body] responded,” Gutekunst said.

In 2020 – Bakhtiari’s last full season – saw him become the best pass-blocking tackle in the game on paper, allowing only nine quarterback pressures across 446 pass-blocking snaps against edge defenders. Entering the back end of his career, Bakhtiari, 30, can retake his status as an elite offensive lineman with a complete and healthy 2022 campaign.

Despite his major injury, Pro Football Focus still ranked Bakhtiari as the No. 23 overall player in the NFL entering the upcoming season. Only four other offensive lineman – Trent Williams (2), Zack Martin (9), Quenton Nelson (11) and Joel Bitonio (18) – landed ahead of him on the list, meaning his presence is required if the Packers wish to capitalize on the final few seasons of Aaron Rodgers career and attain the elusive Super Bowl victory that has been alluding Green Bay since 2011.