The Green Bay Packers will be without edge rusher Za'Darius Smith for some time. While he's not totally out for the season yet, it is still unclear when he'll be able to suit up once again.

According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, Smith has underwent back surgery over the week and is now out for an “extended period of time.” However, the team is hoping that it's not a season-ending situation and that he' would be able to return at some point later in the season.

For what it's worth, the Packers previously shut down Za'Darius Smith due to a lingering back issue. He was able to play in Week 1 in their loss to the New Orleans Saints, but it was quite clear he was not his usual self after playing just 18 of 60 defensive snaps.

The Packers eventually placed the 29-year-old linebacker in the injured reserve before he underwent surgery.

“Unfortunately, we're going to have to shut him down for a while,” LaFleur said of Smith after the Packers' Week 1 loss, per the team website. “It's a matter of just, do you keep him in a limited role? Or do you shut him down for a while, try to get him healthy and then get him up to the snap count that we'd like him to be, just like he's been in the past, 'cause he's such an impact player. So, that's just the route that we thought was best long term.”

There is no timetable for Smith's return, but the Packers are certainly hoping he won't be out for long. Green Bay is rolling after their opening defeat and has now won two straight, but they will certainly need their star linebacker if they want to compete in the postseason.