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.

The Browns have acquired Edge Za'Darius Smith from the Vikings for a mere swap of draft picks. Minnesota has been expected to move on from Smith this offseason to save salary cap. The 30-year-old rebounded from losing nearly all of 2021 to injury, racking up 80 total pressures in his lone Vikings season, according to Pro Football Focus. That marked the second-largest total of his career, and Smith has earned elite-level pass-rushing grades from PFF in each of his last three healthy campaigns. He should play lead snaps opposite Myles Garrett in Cleveland, though free-agent addition Ogbonnia Okoronkwo will factor into the rotation as well.

As expected, Vikings EDGE Za'Darius Smith (knee) is active for today's game against the Cowboys. He's likely to play limited snaps vs. his usual usage.

The Vikings expect EDGE Za'Darius Smith (knee) to play today against the Cowboys, but it sounds like his snaps could be limited vs. usual. "They'll be smart with him, given the quick turnaround for a Thanksgiving game, and make sure he's on the field in pass-rush situations," NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports. A Vikings beat writer before going national, Pelissero undoubtedly has insight into this situation. Smith, of course, is primarily useful to IDP lineups as a pass-rusher. So he's still usable for fantasy football today. But weigh his potential limitation vs. your other options. We knocked Smith down the Week 11 IDP rankings a little this morning.

Vikings EDGE Za'Darius Smith (knee) is active for today's game against the Saints.

Vikings EDGE Za'Darius Smith (knee) is questionable for Sunday morning's game against the Saints. He missed the 1st 2 days of practice this week before putting in a limited Friday workout. Smith probably isn't worth the risk for most IDP lineups, but we'll at least know his status early Sunday with the 9:30 a.m. ET kickoff in London.