Packers Week 2 injury report: Za’Darius Smith to IR

The biggest injury news of the day for the Packers is Za’Darius Smith being placed on IR.

The Green Bay Packers get a long weekend before playing the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football, allowing additional time to get healthy.

And they may need that extra time.

One player who won’t be playing in Week 2 is Za’Darius Smith. The updated injury report for Week 2 confirms what head coach Matt LaFleur said earlier in the day, that Smith is being placed on injured reserve.

It’s a major concern for the Packers. While he could return after three weeks, the fact LaFleur said they need to “shut him down for a while” doesn’t sound too great. Maybe LaFleur just meant a three-game absence on IR, but it could also mean he will be out longer than that.

Outside of the Smith news, the injury report remains the same as Wednesday.

Guard Lucas Patrick and tight end Josiah Deguara didn’t practice as they remain in the concussion protocol. There’s still some time for them to be cleared to play, but with each day it becomes less likely.

Tight end Marcedes Lewis was given a rest day, which is always part of the plan.

Safeties Darnell Savage and Vernon Scott, and defensive tackle Tyler Lancaster, all remained limited at practice on Friday.

There were also no changes to the injury report for the Lions.

Wide receiver Tyrell Williams and defensive end Kevin Strong both have concussions and remained out of practice on Friday. Like Patrick and Deguara, their status could change quickly.

Three defensive players, outside linebackers Trey Flowers and Romeo Okwara, and defensive tackle Michael Brockers, remained limited. Running backs D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams were also limited at practice.

Saturday’s injury report is the important one. Hopefully the Packers will get most of their injured players back before Monday night.