Green Bay Packers offensive lineman David Bakhtiari hoped he had overcome the knee troubles that had
necessitated three surgical operations and hampered his previous two seasons.
Now, the oldest player on the NFL’s youngest squad understands that this is not the case.
Bakhtiari missed Green Bay’s 25-24 loss to Atlanta and is unsure when he will return, though the Packers’ packed
future schedule complicates matters. The Packers will play their home opener against New Orleans on Sunday before
returning to Lambeau Field four nights later to welcome the Detroit Lions.
“We’re doing better, but we’re just taking it day by day,” the veteran left tackle said. “I hate to say that, but day by
day. “You guys hate hearing it.”
The left side of Green Bay’s offensive line was expected to be one of the team’s main strengths this season, but the
Packers aren’t sure when Bakhtiari and left guard Elgton Jenkins will play together again.
Jenkins damaged his medial collateral ligament during the Falcons game, and Royce Newman took over following
the injury. Rasheed Walker, a seventh-round pick in 2022, earned his first career start at left tackle in place of
Bakhtiari.
“This could be the only game I miss,” Bakhtiari explained. “I do not know. I’m just making sure I check my boxes and
that I’m capable and prepared, and then when the time comes, wonderful, go out and play.”
Bakhtiari, 31, has been struggling with health concerns since injuring his left ACL during an All-Pro season on
December 31, 2020.
