Packers OLB Za'Darius Smith had back surgery this week and will miss "an extended period of time," according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. There's reportedly "hope" that Smith's season is not over, but that phrasing means it could be. Smith is safe to drop in nearly all IDP redraft formats, in case you had been hanging on to him. His continued absence leaves Preston Smith and Rashan Gary as Green Bay's top 2 on the edge.
The Packers are placing OLB Za'Darius Smith on IR for the back injury that dogged him throughout the summer and limited his Week 1 playing time. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the team hopes a few weeks of rest will allow Smith to return at full strength, rather than having him manage the back issue throughout the season. Smith's absence will mean more playing time on the edges for Rashan Gary and Jonathan Garvin. Gary -- a 1st-round pick in 2019 -- was already viewed as a potential breakout performer for Green Bay this year, after coming on for 5 sacks in a limited role in 2020. He's worth a look in deeper IDP leagues that favor sack/pressure scoring.
Packers OLB Za’Darius Smith is active for today’s game against the Saints. He entered questionable with a back issue and could be limited. But there’s IDP upside for the pass rusher vs. Jamie’s Winston
Packers OLB Za’Darius Smith will play today against the Saints, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Smith is officially questionable with a back issue that kept him out through most of August. We’d still try to not use him in IDP leagues, but his presence is good news for the Green Bay defense
Packers OLB Za'Darius Smith is questionable for Sunday's game against the Saints. He was limited Wednesday and Thursday with his back injury but finished the week sitting out Friday. He's not a good bet or IDP lineups even if he turns up active.
The Packers are keeping LT David Bakhtiari on the PUP list to begin the regular season, as he continues to work back from a late-2020 ACL tear. We're not downgrading QB Aaron Rodgers or RB Aaron Jones on this news, but it'll be an area to watch early in the year. The move means Bakhtiari will miss at least the 1st 6 weeks.
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