Status of players returning from injury is top storyline for Packers entering training camp

All eyes will be on the wide receiver room and the stockpiled talent on defense, but the status of several important players returning from injury has a strong case for being the top storyline as the Green Bay Packers open training camp in a week’s time.

The offense – and specifically the offensive line – have major question marks regarding who will be available for the regular season.

Here are some of the major players with uncertain statuses or otherwise returning from a big injury to start training camp:

LT David Bakhtiari

The timeline: Bakhtiari tore his ACL on New Year’s Eve of 2020, missed the playoffs, started the 2021 season on the PUP list and didn’t return until the season finale, only to sit out the Packers’ playoff defeat due to lingering recovery issues. More on his recovery timeline can be found here. The team held him out of the offseason workout program in hopes of having him at full strength to open training camp. Now, Bakhtiari’s status is the No. 1 storyline to start camp. What a boost it would be if the five-time All-Pro can resume manning the left tackle spot. But it’d be a punch to the gut if the injury lingers and is still affecting his on-field availability. Yosh Nijman would be the likely starter at left tackle if Bakhtiari is unavailable.

Status: Uncertain

OL Elgton Jenkins

(AP Photo/Jim Mone)

Jenkins, the Packers’ starter at left tackle in place of Bakhtiari, tore his ACL in late November during a loss to the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. He missed the final seven games of the season and may miss more to open 2022. Jenkins weighs over 310 pounds, plays a position requiring explosive movements and is a franchise cornerstone, so there will be no rush back. He’d be the likely starter at right tackle if healthy, and Bakhtiari and Jenkins could be one of the best tackle combos in football. Nijman, Royce Newman and Sean Rhyan would be the most likely starters at right tackle if Jenkins misses time to open 2022. A veteran addition is also possible.

Status: Uncertain

CB Jaire Alexander

Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23)

Alexander injured his shoulder making a tackle against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 4 and missed the rest of the regular season. He did return for the Packers’ playoff loss to the 49ers but played only a handful of passing snaps in coverage. His missed tackle on…