Key Takeaways:
– David Bakhtiari’s recovery from multiple knee surgeries is progressing on schedule, according to Dr. Brian Cole.
– The player is expected to return to field full-time for the 2024 NFL season.
– The Green Bay Packers are considering Rasheed Walker and Jordan Morgan as possible replacements for his position.
Former Green Bay Packers star left tackle David Bakhtiari comes into the limelight with a positive health update. Following multiple knee surgeries, Bakhtiari is now on track for his return for the 2024 season. NFL Network insider, Ian Rapoport, gave this optimistic update on May 21.
Section: Medical Update on Bakhtiari’s Recovery
Renowned Dr. Brian Cole, chairman of Orthopaedics at Rush University Medical Center, performed a follow-up exam on Bakhtiari. The results were positive, indicating that Bakhtiari’s recovery from his knee operations was progressing on schedule. The check-up provided refreshed hopes about his expected return for the next season. Bakhtiari, who had to remain off-field, post an unfortunate turn of events in 2020, had a brief appearance in the past season.
Section: Bakhtiari’s Struggles with Injuries
At the prime of his career, Bakhtiari was the best left tackle in the NFL. He remained a stalwart on the Packers offensive line, earning five All-Pro selections and three Pro Bowl nods while protecting Aaron Rodgers’ blind side. His fortune, however, changed with a torn ACL in December 2020. Bakhtiari sat out an essential playoff run with the anticipation of a comeback in 2021. Unfortunately, his return was short-lived and limited to just one game.
Further complications arose in 2022 when he had to undergo emergency appendectomy, leading to missing more games. Recurring knee issues from the original injury have kept Bakhtiari in and out of the field. Over the last three seasons, he has only appeared in 13 games. Unless the recent knee operations prove transformative in getting him back full-time on the field, NFL teams may hesitate to sign him.
Section: Green Bay Packers’ Options for Left Tackle
With Bakhtiari’s absence, questions arise on the future left tackle for the Packers. The top contenders are Rasheed Walker and Jordan Morgan. Walker, a seventh-round pick in 2022, took over Bakhtiari’s position last season. Despite some hiccups during the year, Walker managed to find his groove towards the end, particularly in the playoffs.
On the other hand, Morgan is also a strong contender. Packers’ decision to draft him in the first round points towards their faith in his capabilities. Although slightly undersized at 6’5″ and 311 pounds, Morgan’s athleticism enables him to play either tackle or guard effectively.
Regardless of the selection, the Packers’ primary concern will be ensuring the best five starting offensive linemen on the field. The primary objective is to provide maximum protection for their quarterback, Jordan Love.
While Bakhtiari’s fans anticipate his full-time return to the field, his recent health update brings a ray of hope. With successful surgeries and a positive recovery track, the chances of his participation in the 2024 season look optimistic. However, the final decision remains with the team management who are strategically weighing all their options for the upcoming season.