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Offensive tackle David Bakhtiari is one of the Packers’ top players when healthy. Bakhtiari hopes the ordeal of the past three seasons is over.
Bakhtiari had an appendectomy just as he was trying to get over a serious knee problem that had caused him to undergo three surgeries. He missed a total of six games last season.
Speaking to reporters earlier this week while cleaning out his locker at Lambeau Field, Bakhtiari hopes to finally have a more normal offseason.
“I am thrilled,” Bakhtiari said. “I’m not ready for surgery right now, so that’s great. I just finished talking to (offensive line) coach (Luke) Butkus. I’ve been in rehab for the last two years, so the important thing is It’s about training.”
Bakhtiari is 31 now, but he’s still something special when he plays. He didn’t allow a sack during the 2022 season. However, he hasn’t played a full season since 2019. With the salary cap reportedly around $29 million, the Packers would have to decide whether to fire him or try to restructure his contract.
“I have the utmost respect for Gooty (Packers general manager Brian Gutkunst),” Bakhtiari said. “From the moment I stepped through this door in 2013, he’s been amazing to me. , that’s life. No malice on me.”
The only Packers player with a higher salary cap number is Bakhtiari’s good friend Aaron Rodgers. Bakhtiari said he would not be involved in deciding whether Rodgers would continue to play.
“It’s his decision,” says Bakhtiari. Of course, if he asked me, I was always the one who was there to help, but I don’t want to affect him. . was fun. he is a brother to me Let’s see. I won’t close the door until I see the man close it. “
To protect the knee, Bakhtiari practice time is limited. Understand, this is a man who loves practice. Bakhtiari, who has won the most awards for his tackles offensively for the Packers since Greg Forrest, is still aiming high.
“I want to be a great footballer,” says Bakhtiari. “It takes a lot of time. Just a hand dealt to me.In the end, things will calm down.The storm will pass.”
Earlier this week, Packers head coach Matt Lafleur voiced his support for Bakhtiari. Well, let’s see what happens next.
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