There are plenty of storylines to pay attention to with the Green Bay Packers preparing to start training camp next week. Near the top of the list is how players who are recovering from injury will look and when they will get back on the field.
Pass rusher Rashan Gary and cornerback Eric Stokes remain without timetables to get back on the field, but the Packers hope it is sooner than later. Another player with an injury history that people will be keeping an eye on is left tackle David Bakhtiari.
When healthy, Bakhtiari is among the best left tackles in the NFL. There was a stretch in the last 2010s where he was as dominant as they come, earning an All-Pro nod in five straight seasons, three Second-Team and two First-Team, and three Pro Bowls.
Unfortunately, the last two seasons have been marred by issues with his knee. Bakhtiari played in only one game in 2021 but was able to get onto the field for 11 in 2022. His health is key to the Packers’ offensive line reaching their true potential, but it is anyone’s guess how much he will be able to stay on the field.
That uncertainty played a part in Bakhtiari falling outside of the top 10 in the tackle power rankings put together by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Fowler polled numerous executives, coaches and scouts from around the league to put his rankings together. Bakhtiari wasn’t far off the top 10, however, as he did land an honorable mention.
“Bakhtiari ranked among the leaders in pass block win rate (95%) and gave up one sack last season. “Still playing well. Maybe not quite what he once was but held up pretty good,” an AFC executive said. “It’s just week in and week out, I have questions about whether he can still do it consistently at this stage.””
The Packers are wondering the same thing as the AFC executive. 2023 is a big season for Bakhtiari as it will determine the next step of his playing career. With a cap hit of more than $40 million in 2024, one of two things will occur.
If he plays well and can stay healthy, the Packers will attempt to work out an extension and keep him into the future. If he battles injuries or ineffectiveness again, Green Bay can release him and save about $21 million on the salary cap.
Lowering that cap hit in 2024 is going to occur one way or another. Whether or not Bakhtiari remains on the Packers roster is the only thing up for debate.