Left tackle David Bakhtiari missed all but 27 snaps last season following ACL surgery in 2020, but the Green Bay Packers anticipate his return for training camp in July.
Head coach Matt LaFleur said the Packers are preparing for Bakhtiari to be back on the blindside of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. To make sure of it, the 30-year-old will be rested during most of the offseason, including the second OTA session this week in Green Bay.
“Our plan all along was to hold him from this time of the year and make sure he's continuing to get stronger and ready to go hopefully for training camp,” LaFleur said Tuesday. “This is part of our process right now.”
A five-time Pro Bowl selection, Bakhtiari continues on the road back from an ACL tear on Dec. 31, 2020. He was able to suit up for the final regular-season game last season but has experienced numerous setbacks and required a procedure to reduce swelling and drain fluid from around the knee.
LaFleur said the approach is cautious, but not one that should indicate concern Bakhtiari might experience another injury.
“We just thought, yeah, this is a guy that has played a lot of ball, and it's best to, you know, hold him from this portion of it,” LaFleur said.
–Field Level Media
