Packers training camp news: Jordan Love struggles, Bakhtiari schedule, position switch
Packers news: David Bakhtiari on special practice schedule for camp
When on the field, there is no concern about the level of player that left tackle David Bakhtiari is. He’s one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL when he’s able to get out there, and obviously that makes the Green Bay line much more formidable.
Of course, injuries — most recently with his knee — have plagued Bakhtiari in recent years as he’s missed at least four games in each of the past three seasons, including playing just one contest in the 2021 campaign and missing six games last year.
Though all reports have indicated that the Packers’ bookend is now healthy at the start of training camp, head coach Matt LaFleur and the coaching staff aren’t taking any chances with his health. LaFleur told reporters prior to the start of practice that Bakhtiari will be on a “modified” practice schedule during training camp, considering it a fluid situation based on feel and health, per ESPN’s Rob Demovsky.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur said David Bakhtiari will still be on a modified practice schedule this summer.
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) July 26, 2023
He said it will be a "fluid" situation based on schedule and feel to get him ready for Week 1.
"When he's out there playing, we're a better football team," LaFleur said.
Zach Kruse of Packers Wire also noted that LaFleur also added that it would be unlikely for Bakhtiari to do much of anything during the team’s second practice of camp on Thursday. Outside of that, there weren’t a ton of details about what the modified schedule will look like.
Having said that, reading between the lines here would indicate that the Packers plan to give Bakhtiari plenty of days off and rest between back-to-back practices in order to help alleviate excess stress on the 31-year-old’s surgically repaired knees, thus putting him in the best position to be on the field and stay there come Week 1 of the regular season in just over a month.