David Bakhtiari Officially Out For 2023 Season
A week after he was placed on injury reserve this week, Green Bay Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari has officially been ruled out for the rest of the 2023 season due to a knee injury, he confirmed to reporters Friday.
Bakhtiari stated the bad knee that has plagued him will need another surgery; he said he hopes to be ready for training camp in 2024.
#Packers LT David Bakhtiari says his season is over and he needs another surgery.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 6, 2023
Been a tough last few years for one of the best at his position. https://t.co/bMay0SuXt4
In December of 2020, Bakhtiari tore his left ACL and some cartilage in practice. The All-Pro tackle has been dealing with a nagging knee injury ever since then.
He has suffered through four surgeries in the last two-and-a-half years and has really struggled to play in games over that time consistently. It’s a shame, Bakhtiari is one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL and has been an anchor for the Packers since 2016 when he earned his first Pro Bowl nod.
To give context, here’s the wild timeline that summarizes just how tough Bakhtiari has had it.
December 31st, 2020: Tears ACL and cartilage in practice.
Jan. 2021: Undergoes surgery to repair ACL.
July 2021: Placed on PUP list.
Nov. 2021: Activated off of PUP.
Nov. 2021: Because of fluid buildup and pain in his knee, Bakhtiari had an arthroscopic surgery procedure done to clean out scar tissue with the hope of returning in late December.
Jan. 2022: Plays against the Detroit Lions, but only lasts 27 snaps before being taken out.
April 2022: Another surgery on the knee.
Sept. 2022: Bakhtiari plays first full game since 2020.
Dec. 2022: Undergoes emergency appendectomy.
July 2023: Active and participating in training camp.
Week 1, 2023: Active and plays against the Bears, gives up 0 sacks.
Sept. 17, 2023: Inactive against Falcons.
Sept. 28, 2023: Rumors of another arthroscopic surgery.
Oct. 6, 2023: Rumors are confirmed and Bakhtiari confirms that he will be out for the year.
This knee injury has limited Bakhtiari to just 25 games in 4 seasons. The 32-year-old is hoping that this situation doesn’t end his career.
Bakhtiari signed a four-year extension that made him the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history at the time in November of 2020. This results in a staggering $40 million cap hit next season, with none of his 2024 pay guaranteed.
Bakhtiari diverted when asked in a locker room interview on Friday if Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst had assured him that he would be back on the team in 2024.
“You can ask him [Gutekunst] that,” Bakhtiari said. “I know I have one more year left. For me, I’m making sure that I attack this rehab and making sure this injury is behind me. I don’t think the heart, the preparation, or the skill was ever in question, it’s been the availability. The health part has been the constant question over the years.”
Whether or not Bakhtiari stays in Green Bay remains to be seen, but hopefully he can come back healthy and play consistently until he chooses to retire.
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