Green Bay Packers Left Tackle David Bakhtiari to Undergo Surgery for Knee Injury
Green Bay Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari will undergo surgery for a knee injury, the team announced on Tuesday. The severity of the injury led doctors to explore all other options and rule out alternative causes before determining that surgery was necessary.
The surgery will be performed by renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Brian J. Cole, based in Chicago. Bakhtiari did not provide a specific date for the procedure but expressed hope of being ready for training camp next summer.
Bakhtiari explained that his knee has been experiencing friction due to roughness, which has caused a buildup of fluid and resulted in recurring issues. He had been dealing with this problem for a long time, leading to inconsistent appearances on the field. The decision to undergo surgery was made after exhausting all other possibilities.
The news comes as a disappointment for the 32-year-old lineman, who has been recognized with five AP All-Pro team selections in his eight-year tenure as the Packers’ starting left tackle. Bakhtiari has already undergone several extensive rehabilitations throughout his career and had hoped for a surgery-free offseason to facilitate a strong comeback in 2023. However, it now appears he will face another lengthy rehabilitation process.
When questioned about his decision to go through surgery once again, Bakhtiari spoke candidly about his determined mindset and refusal to let others dictate his story.
“Because I’m different,” Bakhtiari asserted. “I have an unparalleled work ethic. I’m stubborn as (heck), and I’m not gonna let someone else write my story. This is me just taking control of what I need to do. When I want to look back, do I want to look at the guy who got injured and was like ah, that’s good enough? If that’s not me, then the future, older me is gonna be (ticked) at the younger me.”
As the longest-tenured player on the Packers’ current roster, Bakhtiari has one year remaining on his contract. While he acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding his future in Green Bay, he expressed gratitude for his positive working relationship with General Manager Brian Gutekunst and numerous individuals within the organization. Bakhtiari also mentioned a motivating conversation with an unnamed Packers staffer who emphasized the importance of taking things one step at a time.
“So, that’s what I intend on doing,” Bakhtiari confirmed. “Making sure I attack the rehab, win the day, take the bites out of that elephant, finish the elephant, and then decide and see. They have decisions they need to make, what’s best for their franchise. I understood that the minute I got in here. And I’ve seen every face go. (Someday) this face is going to go, too. I can’t live here. Maybe.”
The surgery and subsequent rehabilitation will likely keep Bakhtiari off the field for a significant portion of the upcoming season. However, his determination and commitment to his recovery offer hope for a strong return to the Packers’ offensive line in the future.