Packers Rumors: David Bakhtiari to Open Season on PUP List Amid ACL Injury Recovery

The Green Bay Packers will reportedly open the 2021 season without their best offensive lineman. 

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, David Bakhtiari will remain on the physically unable to perform list as he continues to recover from a torn ACL suffered during a team practice in December. 

Bakhtiari suffered the injury leading up to Green Bay's Week 17 game against the Chicago Bears last season. He has been making excellent progress throughout the offseason and training camp. 

General manager Brian Gutekunst told reporters in April that Bakhtiari "was way ahead of schedule" in the rehab process. 

Despite missing out on Green Bay's playoff run, Bakhtiari told reporters in June that he was able to keep a positive mindset in part by soliciting advice from former teammate Bryan Bulaga. 

"He's done it twice, and he plays the same position I play. Granted, opposite side, but plays at a very high level," Bakhtiari said. "He took any of my calls when I was really curious early on about any little thing and he gave me a lot of good, sound advice and at times, just wanted to console me and calm me down, which I really appreciated."

There is no definitive timetable for Bakhtiari to return this season. Being on the PUP list ensures the three-time Pro Bowler will miss at least the first six games in 2021. 

Bakhtiari is entering his ninth year with the Packers. The 29-year-old was a fourth-round draft pick by the club in 2013. He has started all 118 regular-season games he's played and has been named to the All-Pro first team twice (2018, 2020). 

Green Bay's Week 7 matchup against the Washington Football Team on Oct. 24 at Lambeau Field is the earliest game that Bakhtiari would be eligible to play.