This is not what Packers fans wanted to hear. After some optimism that he would stay off the list, LT David Bakhtiari has been added to the PUP list.
What Does This Mean?
Starting training camp on the PUP list means that the Green Bay medical staff hasn’t cleared him for the first practice on Wednesday. Bakhtiari tore his ACL in a practice on December 31, 2020. Since then, he played 27 snaps in the regular season finale of last year but was shut down for the playoffs. The hope was that he would be ready to go by training camp. Head coach Matt LaFleur was optimistic and hoped to see his star LT on the field when the 2022 season began. However, it looks like they will have to wait a little longer to see Bakhtiari back on the field.
The Optimistic Side
The Packers could just be proceeding with caution. Letting Bakhtiari rehab just a little bit longer in training camp could help him in the long run. He isn’t a rookie that needs lots of reps to get familiar with the offense. Him and Rodgers have a rapport where he will slide in seamlessly. Also, players go on the PUP list for a variety of reasons. It can give players a few more days to rest up before heading into practice. The other reason for optimism is that Bakhtiari has played. While the regular season finale was only 27 snaps, it was 27 snaps of real live football.
The Pessimistic Side
This has been a long rehab. It has been 18 months since the ACL tear. While every body is different, players have come back from ACL injuries before in much less time and been fine. In November of 2021, it was reported that he had a clean up procedure on his knee possibly meaning that something didn’t go quite right the first time. There is now real questions being asked of whether he will see the field ever again in his career. Not the news you want from a star LT that has a huge contract through 2024.
Huge Storyline For Training Camp
This has to be the biggest storyline for the Packers coming into training camp. While much has been made of the WRs, the Packers expected Bakhtiari to be back for this season. The Packers can find a replacement but having Bakhtiari out there sure would make things easier. All of this panic may be for nothing. Bakhtiari could come off the PUP list in a couple days and resume full practice next week. He could easily start week 1. What is concerning is that Packers fans did not have this on their radar to worry about in 2022. He was supposed to be back and healthy by now. Only time will tell but for now, all we know is that David Bakhtiari has been added to the PUP list.
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