There's finally an explanation for why Green Bay Packers All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari still isn't back from his torn knee.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said that Bakhtiari had another procedure this year. The coach said it happened before the Packers came back for the program.
He did not practice in the summer camp. He went to the side with the rest of the injured players.
In the regular-season finale at Detroit, which was more than a year after the injury, he played only 27 snaps. The second surgery was done to reduce swelling in the knee after the first one.
It's not clear if Bakhtiari will be available for the opener.
"We're not going to put a timetable on it, but what I will say is that Dave had a very significant injury, much more than just anACL way back when it happened," Gutekunst said. He got back last season. When we played Detroit, I think he wasn't happy with how it responded. I think we're cautiously optimistic since he had another procedure in the off-season.
Gutekunst said he didn't have any concern that Bakhtiari would return to an All- Pro level. If Bakhtiari isn't ready for the opener, the Packers could be without their two best linemen.
Davante Adams is no longer with the Packers, so training camp began without two of their best players. Veteran free agent addition Sammy Watkins was placed on the non- football injury list after being placed on the physically unable to perform list.
It is not expected that Watkins will miss a lot of time. The source said the player had knee surgery in June.
There was a thought process about whether or not to push through the season and finish it after the 2020 season. Gutekunst made a statement. We did it right now. He will miss a few days in camp, but it's not a big deal.
We look out for the long term when investing in Christian. We do it all the time. He has a big career ahead of him, so we want to make sure he is protected. He will respond through the rehabilitation. We will get him out there as soon as possible.
He missed out on more opportunities to build chemistry with the quarterback because he only practiced three times this season.
It's going to be a challenge. The only thing like reps is full-speed reps. Christian was able to pick everything up very quickly. There's nothing like those reps. It will be something that takes time.
Gutekunst doesn't have any plans to add a veteran receiver at the moment. The Packers inquired about Jones before he signed with the Buccaneers.
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