One of the biggest question marks heading into the 2023 season for the Green Bay Packers is the knee of left tackle David Bakhtiari. Bakhtiari has proven to be one of the better left tackles in the NFL when healthy, but staying on the field has become a challenge in recent years.
Between 2021 and 2022, Bakhtiari underwent three different surgeries on his knee. That has led to him playing in only 12 games in the last two seasons after making an All-Pro or Pro Bowl team for five straight years.
This offseason was the first time in three years that Bakhtiari didn’t have to undergo a procedure for his knee. For the first time in a long time, he is feeling good about the process that he is undertaking for his knee.
“I feel good. Not going to be a fortune teller or anything…but the team and I understand what we need to do. We’re on the same page,” Bakhtiari said Friday via Zach Kruse of Packers Wire. “Trust is a big thing, and then, finally having an offseason of not having surgeries, the ability to let everything kind of calm down, settle in, train, put on muscle, protect the knee. I’m very grateful and thankful for where I’m at and I’m just excited to see what happens. Football is football, it’s not the healthiest thing in the world, so we’ll see when we get out there.”
An adjusted practice schedule has seemed to be working in the early going of training camp. The Packers are doing what they can to limit his reps to keep him as fresh as possible heading into the regular season. But, at the same time, they want to make sure that he is in shape and ready to go.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has okayed more time off for Bakhtiari to help keep his knee healthy. Not having to focus his entire offseason on injury rehab should also help the five-time All-Pro stay healthy in 2023.
“I have expectations for myself and how I want to play, anytime I go out there I want to put my brand of ball out there,” Bakhtiari said. “Different year, but same goals apply to me.”
What could that goal be? For Bakhtiari, it is returning to the dominant All-Pro level of old. “Yeah, that’d be fun,” Bakhtiari said when asked if another All-Pro season was within reach should he be fortunate and healthy enough to play in all 17 games this season.
2019 was the last time that Bakhtiari played a full season without any interruption as the last three have been difficult. But, he is confident in the plan that has been put in place this offseason and is looking forward to getting back to work. His health is key to the Packers’ offensive line being one of the best in the NFL.
