Green Bay Packers linebacker Za'Darius Smith Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Packers expected to activate LB Za'Darius Smith off IR

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated Jan 21, 2022 3:57 PM ET

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.

The Packers are expected to activate Pro Bowl pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith for Saturday’s playoff game against 49ers, per sources. Smith has been gearing up to be available for this game and the plan has been for him to play barring late change. First action since Week 1 for Smith
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 21, 2022

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).

Victor Barbosa

Victor Barbosa is a passionate follower of MLB, the NBA and NFL, with a deep interest in Boston-area teams. He graduated from Springfield College -- The Birthplace of Basketball -- in 2013 with a degree in Communications-Sports Journalism. Previous bylines include FanSided, Heavy and Syracuse

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