6 X-factors for Packers ahead of 2022 NFL season

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 21: Darnell Savage #26 of the Green Bay Packers attempts to intercept a pass intended for Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 21: Darnell Savage #26 of the Green Bay Packers attempts to intercept a pass intended for Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 28: Robert Tonyan #85 of the Green Bay Packers is injured on a play during the second half of a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 28: Robert Tonyan #85 of the Green Bay Packers is injured on a play during the second half of a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

X-factors for Packers: David Bakhtiari/Robert Tonyan/Elgton Jenkins

Green Bay has a ton of talent returning from serious injuries last year including starting offensive linemen David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins and starting tight end Robert Tonyan.

Bakhtiari’s injury didn’t happen last season (he got injured in December of 2020) which raises concern for the long-term impact his injury will have on him. He wasn’t able to make it back at all in 2021 and we’ll see if he’s ready when training camp begins at the end of July. Getting the best left tackle back would be a huge anchor for the Packers’ offensive line.

Elgton Jenkins is equally as important. He’s proven he can be dominant no matter which position he lines up at. He probably won’t be ready until closer to the middle of the season, but that will be a huge boost as well.

Lastly, the Packers desperately need Tonyan to return to 2020 form. The Packers lack pass-catchers across the board on offense and Tonyan could help fill some of that void. When he’s at his best, he’s a big body who can exploit the middle of the field and provide Aaron Rodgers with a red zone target.