Green Bay Packers All-Pro LT David Bakhtiari had another knee procedure; no timetable for return

GREEN BAY, Wis. — There's finally an explanation for why Green Bay Packers All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari still isn't back from his torn ACL of 573 days ago: He had another knee procedure — which would be at least his third known surgery since the initial injury on Dec. 31, 2020.

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said Wednesday that Bakhtiari went back for another procedure this offseason. Coach Matt LaFleur indicated that it happened before the Packers returned for the offseason program in April.

Bakhtiari attended the offseason program but did not practice in OTAs and minicamp. Instead, he worked off to the side with the rest of the players rehabbing injuries.

Bakhtiari played only 27 snaps last season — all in the regular-season finale at Detroit more than a year after the injury and then was shut down for the playoffs. In between the initial ACL reconstruction and the Detroit game, Bakhtiari had a second surgery to reduce swelling in the knee.

It remains unclear whether Bakhtiari will be available for the Sept. 11 season opener at Minnesota.

«We're not going to put a timetable on it, but what I will say is Dave had a very significant injury — much more than just an ACL way back when it occurred,» Gutekunst said. «I thought he busted his tail to get back last season. As we went through that last game versus Detroit, I think when he came out of that he wasn't particularly happy with how it responded. He did have another procedure in the offseason, but I think we're cautiously optimistic.»

Gutekunst said he had no concerns that Bakhtiari not only will play again but return to an All-Pro level. But if Bakhtiari isn't ready for the opener, it's possible the Packers would open the season without their two best