Packers expected to activate LB Za'Darius Smith off IR
Green Bay Packers two-time Pro Bowler Za'Darius Smith hasn't played in an NFL game in 131 days. During the team's Week 1 blowout loss to the New Orleans Saints, Smith was limited to 18 defensive snaps due to a back injury, ultimately leading to him being placed on injured reserve.
The top seed in the NFC playoffs are reportedly expected to finally welcome back the seventh-year pro to the gridiron for their Saturday night divisional-round contest against the sixth-seeded San Francisco 49ers.
Smith has been practicing all week and will try to start in his sixth consecutive playoff game over the last four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens and Packers. He has posted 227 tackles, 112 quarterback hits and 44.5 sacks in 91 career contests split between the two organizations.
Two seasons ago, Smith finished with a career-high 55 tackles and 13.5 sacks. During the 2020 season, he led Green Bay in quarterback hits (23), sacks (12.5), tackles for a loss (12) and forced fumbles (four).
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