Packers: Za’Darius Smith returns to practice ahead of season opener

Packers star edge rusher Za’Darius Smith was back at practice on Monday.

Za’Darius Smith hasn’t missed a game in his two seasons with the Green Bay Packers. However, an injury he’s been dealing with over the summer has left that in some doubt in recent weeks.

The Packers did get some good news on Monday. According to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Smith made his return to practice. Silverstein noted that he was doing individual drills after missing so much time with a back injury.

What this means for Sunday’s season opener against the New Orleans Saints remains to be seen, although it does seem a long shot that Smith could return from a long absence and play the same week. We’ll see.

The Packers will need Smith all season, beyond just this week. The fact he’s back out on the practice field is an encouraging sign that he’s making progress from his injury. Hopefully it’s a sign that he’s close to being 100 percent and able to play.

Wednesday will give us a bigger clue about Smith’s status for Week 1. That’s when the Packers have to release their first injury report of the regular season. Until now, head coach Matt LaFleur hasn’t given much injury information away, although he did note last month that Smith’s injury was a “concern”, and one that could “potentially” keep him out of the season opener.

Of course, having Smith out there would give the defense a huge boost against the Saints. New Orleans has one of the best offensive lines in the league.

At the same time, he shouldn’t be rushed back. The Packers know that. They’re often cautious when it comes to bringing players back from injury.

The fact Smith is back out there on the practice field is an encouraging sign, even if he doesn’t play this week.