On the final day of 2020, Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari’s season was cut short due to an ACL tear that he suffered during a Thursday evening walkthrough in preparation for the Packers week 17 matchup against the Chicago Bears. Now, just six months later, he is back on the practice field – moving around with pep in his step.
On Wednesday, when asked about the All-Pros recovery, head coach Matt LaFleur told the media that Bakhtiari is “a little ahead of schedule”.
“He’s really working hard. I think he came back and he’s in excellent shape. We’re just going to take it one day at a time,” LaFleur stated. “I think he’s a little bit ahead of schedule but then again there’s a long way to the start of the season. We’ll see where he’s at when it comes to that time.”
Numerous videos have surfaced from Wednesday in which Bakhtiari can be seen jumping, making hard cuts, and rapidly moving his feet over hurdles.
Yes, the chances of the Bakhtiari suiting up for week one are slim. But his mere presence at OTAs is enough to lift the spirits of everyone involved with the franchise. The fact that he is on the field and moving as well as he is should serve as a beacon of hope for all of us eagerly awaiting his return.
Last season before getting injured, Bakhtiari signed a record breaking contract extension with the Packers. The four-year 92 million dollar deal made him the highest paid offensive lineman in league history and was money well spent. Bakhtiari has been nothing short of spectacular since arriving in Green Bay as a fourth-round pick in 2013.
The Packers week one matchup against the Saints will mark just about 8 months of recovery for the star lineman. If anyone has the ability to return to the field that quickly, it is David Bakhtiari.
The Weekly Cheese 