Packers stress patience but won’t put anything past LT David Bakhtiari
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst understands the long-term value of All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari – and the need to be patient as he heals from a late-season ACL tear – but he’s also not dismissing the possibility of a speedy recovery.
Gutekunst explained why during his season-ending press conference on Monday.
“I don’t put anything past David,” Gutekunst said. “The way he goes about his business and how hard he works, I don’t put anything past him. He’s a unique NFL football player that way.”
Bakhtiari tore his ACL during practice as the Packers prepared for Week 17, ending his season and putting his start to next season in jeopardy. ACL tears typically take between 9-12 months to heal. Using the traditional recovery timeline, Bakhtiari would likely miss games to start 2021. The beginning of training camp is around seven months away.
The Packers certainly won’t put Bakhtiari on the field before he’s ready. In November, the five-time All-Pro signed the most lucrative contract ever by an NFL offensive lineman. The deal keeps Bakhtiari in Green Bay for the next four seasons.
Gutekunst confirmed the obvious: the Packers won’t rush him.
“It’s a significant injury, obviously, and he’s such a big part of our franchise moving forward long term, that we’re not going to rush that one, because he’s just too important to us. But I don’t put anything past him, that’s for sure,” Gutekunst said.
During an incredible 2020 season, Bakhtiari allowed just one sack and nine total pressures over 758 total snaps, per Pro Football Focus. Without him over the last three games, the Packers used Billy Turner at left tackle. At this point, he would be the favorite to start if Bakhtiari isn’t ready for the beginning of 2021.
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