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Green Bay Packers: Za’Darius Smith to Miss Extended Time after Surgery

By Paul Bretl

Sep 12, 2021; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Za'Darius Smith (55) stands on the sidelines during the game against the New Orleans Saints at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2021; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Za'Darius Smith (55) stands on the sidelines during the game against the New Orleans Saints at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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According to Ian Rapoport, when the Green Bay Packers put Za’Darius Smith on IR following the team’s Week 1 loss to New Orleans, the hope was that he would be able to return after three weeks.

Unfortunately, that won’t be the case. In fact, Smith is going to be out much longer after undergoing back surgery. He is now “expected to be out an extended period of time,” according to Mike Garafolo.

Smith participated in only one training camp practice because of his back injury. And although he would suit up and play Week 1, he was used in a limited capacity, seeing just 18 snaps—most of which occurred in obvious passing situations.

While the hope is that Smith can get healthy and return at some point for what hopefully becomes another playoff push, as Bill Huber of SI notes, that’s only the hope, but not the expectation.

"“A source in confirming the news said Smith’s potential return for the playoff run is just that. Potential,” wrote Huber. “It is not the expectation or something the team is counting on.”"

Given Smith’s contract situation that comes with more than a $28 million cap hit in 2022, along with the severity of this injury, there is the possibility that he has already played his last snap with the Green Bay Packers.

Of course, we hope it doesn’t come to that and Smith can return later this season, but that very well could be the case.

So what does this loss mean for the Green Bay Packers this season?

As far as the 2021 season goes, we all know what a huge loss for the Green Bay Packers pass rush and defensive unit this is. Not to mention that the Packers have lost one of their leaders in Smith.

Over the last two seasons, Smith has tallied 32 sacks and164 pressures, according to PFF ($$), along with a second-team All-Pro nod in 2020.

It’s now more important than ever that Preston Smith has that bounce-back season — he is off to a good start — and Rashan Gary makes that Year 3 leap.

Currently, Gary is second on the team in pressures, while Smith ranks third. Smith is also the second-highest graded edge rusher in football against the run this season by PFF’s grading system.

In addition to those two stepping up, Green Bay is also going to need more contributions from Chauncey Rivers, Jonathan Garvin, and LaDarius Hamilton. We may also see Tipa Galeai promoted from the practice squad at some point this season as well.

It also wouldn’t hurt Green Bay to explore free agency or the trade market — something that they’ve reportedly already done — for a veteran edge rusher to add to the mix.

There is no replacing Za’Darius Smith but whether it’s through a new acquisition or those already on the roster taking on bigger roles, the Green Bay Packers are going to have to try to find a way to do just that.

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