Four Packers players who could return from injury in playoffs

Last week, Green Bay Packers starting offensive linemen David Bakhtiari and Josh Myers returned from long-term injuries.

Getting them back in Week 18 allowed them to play some valuable reps in preparation for the playoffs.

Bakhtiari and Myers are unlikely to be the only starting players returning from significant injuries. The Packers could get as many as four important starters back in time for next week’s divisional round.

Za’Darius Smith

We haven’t seen the Packers’ best pass rusher in action since the season opener, and even then he was limited due to a back injury.

Well, Za’Darius Smith looks on course to return in time for the playoffs.

The former All-Pro and Pro Bowler returned to practice on Wednesday. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported earlier this week that Smith had been ‘fully cleared’ and is expected to play in next week’s divisional round.

Huge news.

Jaire Alexander

Another All-Pro on defense, Jaire Alexander, could also return in time for the playoffs.

Alexander hasn’t played since October due to a shoulder injury. The Packers activated Alexander off injured reserve at the end of December but he didn’t play in the regular-season finale against the Detroit Lions.

Part of that could have been because Alexander wasn’t activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list until Friday, leaving little time to practice.

But with two additional weeks, it’s possible he could be ready to return for the divisional round. Alexander practiced on Wednesday, a good sign.

Randall Cobb

Another player who practiced today ahead of a potential playoff return was wide receiver Randall Cobb. Aaron Rodgers said he’s ‘pretty certain’ Cobb will be ready to go.

This isn’t surprising. Cobb had already been activated off injured reserve. When asked about potentially playing against the Lions last week, head coach Matt LaFleur spoke about the need to “give him two more weeks”, which sure sounded like their focus was on returning in the divisional round.

In his return to Green Bay this season, Cobb has made 28 catches for 375 yards and five touchdowns. Don’t underestimate Cobb’s ability to make a crucial catch just when the Packers need it — he’s done this throughout his career, including in the playoffs.

His return gives the offense a huge boost.

Billy Turner

The Packers got Bakhtiari and Myers back along the offensive line last week. Starting tackle Billy Turner could soon join them.

Turner has been about for about a month with a knee injury, but he returned to practice on Wednesday, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

It’s too early to tell whether Turner will be ready to go next week, but the fact he’s back out there at practice a week-and-a-half before the game is encouraging. This will be something to watch closely over the next week or so.