Packers: Za’Darius Smith’s status for Week 1 uncertain

Za’Darius Smith could “potentially” miss the Green Bay Packers’ regular-season opener, according to head coach Matt LaFleur.

Pro Bowl edge rusher Za’Darius Smith hasn’t missed a game since signing with the Green Bay Packers two years ago, but his status for the season opener is in doubt due to injury.

Smith has been dealing with a back injury this summer. He was initially placed on the Non-Football Injury list to start training camp.

As ESPN’s Rob Demovsky noted, Smith was taken off the NFI list last week and practiced, but has since missed practice again. The concern now is whether Smith has suffered a setback with the injury.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Matt LaFleur said it “definitely is a concern” and Smith could “potentially” miss the Packers’ regular-season opener in three weeks.

This would, of course, be bad news for the Packers’ defense. They’ve yet to be tested without Za’Darius Smith over the past two years.

He’s been by far the Packers’ best pass rusher since joining the team with an impressive 26 sacks and 60 QB hits over the past couple of years. Smith is also a leader in the locker room and on the field, and a player opposing offenses need to be prepared for.

If Smith has to miss any time in the regular season, the Packers will need their other pass rushers to step up. That includes third-year Rashan Gary, a player many believe is set for a breakout season. If Gary can make a big impact in a defense without Za’Darius Smith, he’d show he’s ready to take that next step.

There’s still some time before the Packers’ opener against the New Orleans Saints. For now, the most important thing is that Smith is given time to recover and isn’t rushed back.

The Packers are going to need him, especially later in the season. He should only return when he’s 100 percent healthy.