Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Packers placing edge-rusher Za'Darius Smith on IR with back injury

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 9/17/21

Za'Darius Smith won't see the field again for at least three weeks.

The Green Bay Packers are placing the edge rusher on injured reserve with a back injury, according to NFL Network's Stacey Dales.

#Packers Coach Matt LaFleur right now on Za’Darius Smith.

“Gonna have to shut him down for a while.” (Back).

Pack looking at the long term. Speaks to the repetitions (18 snaps Sunday). “Why not try to get him as healthy as possible so we can have him more readily available.”
— StaceyDales (@StaceyDales) September 17, 2021

Smith, who was dealing with the injury during Week 1, played 18 defensive snaps in a 38-3 loss to the New Orleans Saints. He had one tackle.

Despite Smith going to injured reserve, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said he's comfortable with the decision to let the 29-year-old play against the Saints.

In 16 games last season, Smith had 12.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 52 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss and 23 quarterback hits.

Smith is in the third year of a four-year, $66 million deal with the Packers. He spent four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens before signing with Green Bay after the 2018 season.

With Smith sidelined, Jonathan Garvin should see more playing time in the coming weeks.

More must-reads: