David Bakhtiari Takes First Steps Towards Return To The Field
Green Bay received a huge boost ahead of Week 1 with the activation of David Bakhtiari from the PUP list.
The two-time All-Pro left tackle hasn’t played since the 2020 regular season finale. A torn ACL sidelined David Bakhtiari for that entire season.
The setback he suffered afterwards brings his total rehab time to 19 months. David Bakhtiari is one of four vital Packers players to return to practice before the new season.
He joins OL Elgton Jenkins, TE Robert Tonyan and WR Christian Watson as players cleared to rejoin the team.
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“I was extremely grateful and had my own personal moments the first time I came back because it was awesome,” Bakhtiari said.Â
“It’s just tough when it gets taken from you ’cause it’s not by your choice. That was something that I had a hard time giving up, basically my knee saying no. This time now, I realize that I cannot control as much as I want to. I like to be in control of my destiny and it’s just more like, ‘Hey, what are you feeling like today, knee? How are you doing? You holding up well? Cool, we’re in this together, man.'”
Following such a lengthy layoff, don’t expect Bakhtiari to feature right away. Coach Matt LaFleur confirmed he’s not even in the running for Week 1. “We’re going to take it a day at a time,” LaFleur said. “There’s no thought as far as Week 1 is concerned right now. We just want to see how he responds. And when he’s ready, he’s ready.”
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“It’s been the journey that I’ve had to attack, and I just know that I’m not gonna break no matter what,” Bakhtiari said. “I know what I’m capable of and what I’m going to do. Whenever that moment that gives me that solace and that peace when I get to go back out there and play, I’m just excited.”
