Za'Darius Smith will return from injury for the Playoffs
Za’Darius Smith is BACK.
The former Kentucky Wildcat and All-Pro edge rusher only played once for the Green Bay Packers in 2021. Hobbled with a back injury throughout the preseason, he tested it in week one but only played 18 snaps against the Saints before deciding to join the injured reserve.
After undergoing surgery for a herniated disc, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports Smith has been officially cleared to return to football activities.
“Za’Darius Smith is expected to practice this week and then play for the Green Bay Packers in their first playoff game,” Rapoport said Monday morning.
Even without Smith sacking quarterbacks each week, Aaron Rodgers has been Aaron Rodgers. The Packers’ clinched the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC, earning the only bye in the conference. They will play all of their games at Lambeau Field until the Super Bowl, hosting the lowest remaining seed in the Divisional Round in two weeks.
The 29-year-old Mark Stoops disciple and former third round pick has been a Packers team captain since he arrived in Green Bay in 2019. Smith combined for 26 sacks in his first two seasons as a Packer.
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