The Green Bay Packers have been one of the most impressive defensive units in the NFL just one season after ranking 18th in total defense. Through the first three games, Green Bay has improved to 13th in total defense while ranking third in defensive DVOA, according to Football Outsiders.
However, Packers linebacker Za'Darius Smith has been listed as questionable ahead of Thursday night's showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles, according to Darin Gant of NBC's “Pro Football Talk” (via Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com):
Smith popped up on the injury report yesterday with a knee problem. He was listed as participating in a limited basis today. If Za’Darius can’t play, it would force first-rounder Rashan Gary into a more prominent role.
Smith has already racked up three sacks through the first three games, including two against the Denver Broncos on Sunday. He also has seven quarterback hits and 11 combined tackles.
The Packers signed Smith to a four-year, $66 million contract back in March as part of a defensive overhaul that also saw the team land the likes of Adrian Amos and fellow linebacker Preston Smith.
Though the Packers have certainly made strides as a defensive unit, they have had a pretty friendly schedule in terms of opposing offenses.
Mitch Trubisky and the Bears looked terrible in Week 1, and Green Bay weathered a big day from Vikings running back Dalvin Cook in Week 2 as they harassed Kirk Cousins at every turn. Joe Flacco hardly fared any better as he took six sacks in Green Bay.
The potential loss of Smith is poor timing for the Packers with a high-flying Eagles team coming to town, especially with Alshon Jeffery giving Philadelphia's receiving corps a big boost.
If Smith is unable to play, a much bigger role will be in store for rookie pass rusher Rashan Gary.
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