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Packers: Za’Darius Smith questionable for Week 4 vs. Eagles

By Freddie Boston

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - AUGUST 15: Za'Darius Smith #55 of the Green Bay Packers leaves the field after a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 15, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - AUGUST 15: Za'Darius Smith #55 of the Green Bay Packers leaves the field after a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 15, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /
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The Green Bay Packers could be without edge rusher Za’Darius Smith against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night.

The Packers released their final injury report for Thursday’s game against the Eagles, and the concerning news is that star edge rusher Za’Darius Smith is listed as questionable due to a knee injury.

Needless to say, if Smith can’t play, it’s bad news for the Packers‘ new-look defense. He has been an excellent addition to Mike Pettine’s defense, making three sacks in as many games.

The Packers would still have a lot of talented players on the field, including the team’s sack leader Preston Smith, but losing Za’Darius Smith would be a setback against a good Eagles offense.

Green Bay could also be without edge rusher Kyler Fackrell, who is questionable with a shoulder injury. Wide receiver Jake Kumerow is also questionable due to a shoulder injury. Linebacker Oren Burks and defensive lineman Montravius Adams have been ruled out.

While the short week tends to give the home team the advantage, less time to rest can lead to more players missing the game for both teams.

The Eagles also have plenty of injury problems. Wide receiver DeSean Jackson, cornerback Ronald Darby and defensive tackle Tim Jernigan have all been ruled out. Running back Corey Clement is questionable.

But the Eagles are set to have wide receiver Alshon Jeffery back from injury, and the Packers know all too well how talented he is. Jeffery has 539 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 10 games against Green Bay.

This will be a challenging game for the Packers, but it’ll be huge if they can get the win as they have a mini bye week coming up with 10 days to prepare for next week’s game at Dallas. They’d remain undefeated, while having that extra time to get healthy ahead of an important road game.

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