GREEN BAY WIS. — Now there’s an explanation. Green Bay Packers All Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari He is still not back from the torn ACL 573 days ago. He underwent another knee operation — at least his third since Dec 31, 2020.
Brian Gutekunst, Packers general manager, stated Wednesday that Bakhtiari had gone under the knife again this offseason. It happened before the Packers returned to April for their offseason program.
Bakhtiari was a participant in the offseason program, but did not participate in OTAs or minicamp. Bakhtiari worked with the rest of his teammates to rehab their injuries.
Bakhtiari took only 27 snaps last year — all in the Detroit regular-season finale, which was more than a full year after the injury. He then was stopped for the playoffs. Bakhtiari underwent a second operation to reduce the swelling in his knee between the Detroit game and the ACL reconstruction.
Bakhtiari is not expected to be available for the Minnesota Sept. 11 season opener.
Gutekunst stated, “We are not going to give a timetable but I will say that Dave had a very serious injury — more than just an ACL at the time it happened.” I thought he was a skunk to get back last year. He wasn’t happy with the way his body responded to that game against Detroit as we went through it. While he had another procedure during the offseason, I think he is cautiously optimistic.
Gutekunst stated that he was confident Bakhtiari would not only play again, but also return to the All Pro level. If Bakhtiari isn’t available for the opener, it’s possible that the Packers will open the season with their two best linemen. Elgton Jenkins He is also trying to get back from the ACL injury that occurred against the Vikings on November 21.
To make up for the loss of two receivers, the Packers started training camp Wednesday without any other receivers. Davante Adams. Second round pick Christian Watson Was placed on the physically incompetent to perform list prior to camp opening, and was added as a veteran-free agent Sammy Watkins Added to the non-football injury roster.
Watkins won’t be out for too long, but Watson may. According to a source, the rookie had minor surgery on his knee after the Packers’ June offseason program.
“I believe there was some thought process [of] Do you think it is better to just push through the season, and then finish it after (2020) season? Or should we just do it now? Gutekunst spoke. “And it’s done now. It’s not something he will miss long-term, though.
“When we invest in Christian, we are obviously looking out to the long-term. We always do. We always do. He’s a young, promising player with a great career ahead of his. It will depend on how he responds to rehab. Once he is ready, we will get him out.
Watson was only able to practice with Watson this offseason. Aaron RodgersHe attended the June mandatory minicamp, but now he will miss more chances to develop chemistry with the quarterback.
LaFleur stated, “That’s going be a challenge.” “Reps are the best, especially full-speed reps. Christian’s speed at picking up everything was impressive, I believe. … [But] There’s nothing quite like preseason reps or practice reps. It will take some time.
Gutekunst stated that he does not plan to add any veteran receivers at this time. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Packers were interested in a veteran receiver. Julio Jones He signed earlier this week with Tampa Bay.