Lingering Knee Injury May Limit Packers' Bakhtiari
2 min read • July 08, 2022
David Bakhtiari - SIC Score 81
Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari has had a long road of recovery since tearing his ACL two years ago. He tore his ACL in practice on Dec. 31, 2020, just six weeks after becoming the highest paid offensive lineman in league history.
The 30 year old has made only one brief game appearance since the injury.
Given the continued problems with his knee, the All-Pro left tackle enters the season with an 81 SIC Score. Our team of Pro Football Docs said they believe he is going to play this season but will not be his usual All-Pro self.
Prior to his ACL tear, Bakhtiari had been one of the most reliable left tackles in the league. The three-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro left tackle played in 118 of 127 games.
The only other injuries he dealt with were a hamstring strain in 2017 and a chest injury in 2020. Both of which did not have any lingering issues.
Our Docs said not all ACL injuries are the same nor are they isolated. Bakhtiari also had meniscus damage. After reconstruction surgery, he underwent a left knee scope to clean up the knee.
Following the procedure, Bakhtiari said he was feeling much better. However, he only played 27 snaps in Week 18 and was inactive for the playoffs.
Bakhtiari in an interview with Cheesehead TV in January said he had his knee drained 15 times last season. At one point, he had 96 cubic centimeters of fluid in his knee whereas the typical range is 30 to 35 cubic centimeters.
The Docs said it is very significant his knee was drained that many times considering it is difficult to drain any fluids in a normal healthy knee.
They would advise the Packers to manage Bakhtiari’s lingering knee issues by giving him veteran rest and potentially lubricant injections.
Bakhtiari did not appear on the field during OTAs though coach Matt LaFleur said he will be ready in time for training camp.
Pro Football Focus rated Bakhtiari as the No. 2 offensive tackle for this season, behind only San Francisco 49ers’ Trent Williams.
