The Green Bay Packers will have a first-round bye in the NFL playoffs, which should give them some additional time to rest up injured players ahead of their push for the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, it seems even the additional week of rest won't be enough for one key player to make his return. According to Ryan Wood, head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters that he wants to “temper expectations” regarding Za'Darius Smith's long-awaited return from a back injury.
#Packers coach Matt LaFleur says he wants to "temper expectations" regarding Za'Darius Smith's potential return: "We'll see how he comes in on Wednesday, and if we can let him get back out on the practice field, we'll let him go."
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) January 10, 2022
LaFleur is ensuring Packers fans don't get carried away with the expectation that Smith will be on the field for the team's Divisional Round matchup. While it's surely a possibility, LaFleur is focusing on getting the star defensive end back on the practice field before discussing his participation in the playoff game.
Smith has been out since Week 1 while dealing with a back injury he sustained in the Packers' season-opener against the New Orleans Saints. Smith was placed on IR after the injury but was finally cleared to return after undergoing successful surgery on his back.
After missing almost the entire regular season, LaFleur and the Packers are exercising caution when it comes to Smith's health. Having managed 13 wins without the likes of Smith and Jaire Alexander starting for the defense is an impressive feat in and of itself, and now the Pack want to ensure that when the star DE returns, he's able to do so at full strength.
The Packers aren't set to play until the Divisional Round, which is set to take place from Jan. 22-23, so Smith will have nearly two weeks to focus on recovery ahead of the team's playoff debut.
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