Green Bay Packers star pass rusher Za'Darius Smith is nearing a return. Head coach Matt LaFleur revealed that he will practice on Wednesday, the first step necessary in taking the field in the playoffs.
Via Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette:
Matt LaFleur says #Packers OLB Za'Darius Smith will practice today. His first practice in four months.
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) January 12, 2022
Smith has missed all but one game in the 2021 campaign due to a back injury. However, he's been one of the most feared pass rushers in the game over the last few seasons. The Packers standout has collected 60 QB hits and 26 sacks across the 2019 and 20′. He left the team's Week 1 contest with the apparent injury and unfortunately, it kept him out for longer than expected.
Considering Green Bay also has a first-round bye after finishing as the top seed in the NFC, Smith will have even more time to get game-ready. Jaire Alexander is also expected to be back in the fold for the Packers in the postseason, giving the defense another big boost.
The Packers are already a scary opponent but as two of their most important players on the defensive side of the ball return, this team is a force to be reckoned with. The Super Bowl certainly feels like a realistic possibility. As Green Bay awaits their first opponent, Smith will be gearing up to do some damage from the get-go.
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