Packers: Did Za’Darius Smith hint at potential upcoming return?

The Green Bay Packers could get star defensive players Za’Darius Smith and Jaire Alexander back at some point before the end of the season.

Smith was limited in the regular-season opener against the New Orleans Saints but has been out since. Alexander suffered a shoulder injury in the Week 4 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers and also hasn’t played since.

Green Bay’s defense has stepped up without its stars and is currently ranked seventh in the NFL in yards allowed per game and fifth in points allowed per game.

Getting Smith and Alexander back would be huge. Did the Packers’ Pro Bowl pass rusher hint at a possible return in the near future?

On Instagram, Smith posted a picture with the caption ‘It’s About That Time’. The picture includes both himself and Jaire Alexander in Packers uniforms.

Maybe this means nothing, but it sure has many Packers fans wondering whether the post is a sign that the team’s top-two defensive players could soon be back out there on the field.

It would be the perfect time to get Smith and Alexander back.

The Packers are currently on their bye week. They lead the NFC North and have a great shot at securing the NFC’s top seed and first-round playoff bye for the second straight year. To achieve this, they’ll need to finish strong in the final five games of the regular season.

Having Smith and Alexander back would help in a big way. Smith led the team in sacks two years running, with a total of 26 sacks. Alexander is one of the best cornerbacks in the league and only allowed 12 completions in the first month of the season, according to Pro Football Reference. Both players were second-team All-Pros in 2020.

Only time will tell, but hopefully Smith’s Instagram post is a hint that his return is almost here.