The already formidable Green Bay Packers continue to get healthy at the right time as they prepare for this year’s NFL playoffs.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur announced today that star pass rusher Za’Darius Smith will officially return to practice this afternoon. Smith has been out since Week 1 with a back injury.
The two-time Pro Bowler is one of several injured stars who have returned for Green Bay of late or are working their way back into form. Others include left tackle David Bakhtiari and cornerback Jaire Alexander.
There’s no guarantee Smith will be ready to play in next week’s divisional round–the Packers have a bye this weekend–but just the thought of getting him back on the field has Green Bay fans justifiably giddy.
In sum, the #Packers will have Randall Cobb, Jaire Alexander, Billy Turner, Za’Darius Smith, David Bakhtiari and Josh Myers on the practice field a week and a half before their divisional playoff game. Next week’s practice in pads should tell us a lot more where these guys stand.
— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) January 12, 2022
Knowing how conservative the Packers’ medical staff is, I quietly convinced myself that Za’Darius Smith played his last down in Green Bay. This is so significant. https://t.co/0IjvPSmJM3
— zach jacobson (@itszachariahj) January 12, 2022
The Packers are getting back these players for the playoffs:
-Billy Turner
-David Bakhtiari
-Za’Darius Smith
-Josh Myers
-Jaire AlexanderThat’s 3 all-pro players plus 3 of their preferred starting oline being added to a team that was able to reach 13-4 without them. pic.twitter.com/LnmQ8hVdmt
— Pockit (@Pockit_7) January 12, 2022
#Packers HC Matt LaFleur says pass rusher Za’Darius Smith is practicing today. Great timing with two weeks of practice before the Divisonal Round. Better late than never.
— StaceyDales (@StaceyDales) January 12, 2022
Great news!! –@SparkyRadio https://t.co/9CQIGMRKDN
— The Big Show Radio Network (@BigShowNetwork) January 12, 2022
When Z plays in the playoffs, that first sack is going to hit different https://t.co/j8QOqUpgwy
— Greg Williams (@GregWilliams28) January 12, 2022
We back???? pic.twitter.com/OBzAIvGmDM
— Art Vandelay (@KingFavre) January 12, 2022
Even with Smith missing the final 16 games, the Packers finished 13-4 and earned the NFC’s No. 1 seed. They will face the lowest-remaining seed in a divisional round game at Lambeau Field next weekend.
Green Bay will be looking for its third straight NFC Championship Game appearance, and hoping that this time they finally seal the deal and get to the Super Bowl.
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