Packers: Za’Darius Smith questionable to play vs. Eagles in Week 13

Packers edge rusher Za’Darius Smith is questionable to play in Week 13.

It’s possible the Green Bay Packers will be without their star edge rusher on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Za’Darius Smith rarely misses time and has played every game for the Packers since signing in free agency last year. In fact, he’s played on exactly 84 percent of the team’s defensive snaps both seasons, according to Pro Football Reference.

Smith has played through a number of injuries during that time, including an ankle injury this season. It’s entirely possible he’ll do so again this week even if he’s not 100 percent, but the Packers have listed Smith as questionable on the injury report for Week 13.

Corey Linsley the only played ruled out for Packers

Unsurprisingly, Green Bay has ruled out starting center Corey Linsley as he deals with a knee injury. But Linsley is the only player to be ruled out by the Packers so far this week.

Three players are listed as questionable on the injury report including Smith. The other two are running back/returner Tyler Ervin and inside linebacker Krys Barnes. Ervin is dealing with a ribs injury, Barnes a calf injury.

The Eagles have ruled out safety Rudy Ford, while Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay is questionable with a calf injury. That will be something to watch as Slay will likely cover Davante Adams a lot if he’s active.

Philadelphia will have defensive tackle Fletcher Cox and tight end Zach Ertz both available. Having Cox available is great news for the Eagles, who will need him up against a strong Packers offensive line.

Both teams enter Week 13 relatively healthy. They have only ruled out one player each and while the Packers’ injury report is long, most players are ready to go.

Hopefully Smith, Ervin, and Barnes will all be active on Sunday. Smith and Barnes make the defense better, while Ervin’s return would immediately help the offense and special teams.