Both starters dealing with lingering injuries
The Green Bay Packers will open training camp without star offensive lineman David Bakhtiari. After only appearing in one game since 2020, the former Colorado Buffaloes standout is said to still be recovering from an ACL tear. It wasn’t specified by the team if the injury was surgically repaired or not. However, Bakhtiari will be sidelined at least until the start of preseason.
As for Mason Crosby, he’ll be out for a bit as well. The longtime Packers kicker is dealing with a right knee injury that required a minor procedure during the offseason. He told the media on Wednesday the injury was due to wear and tear, and expects to be ready for the start of the regular season. Crosby, who turns 38 later this year, is coming off a so-so 2021 as he enters his 15th NFL season.
For now, the Packers will roll with undrafted rookie kicker Gabe Brkic to handle duties until Crosby returns. The Oklahoma product was a Lou Groza Award finalists and earned second-team All-Big 12 honors with the Sooners last year.
Green Bay open the season on the road against NFC North rivals, the Minnesota Vikings, on Sept. 11.