Packers get Za’Darius Smith, Whitney Mercilus back for the playoffs

Just in time for the start of their playoff run, the Green Bay Packers are getting some help on defense.

The team announced on Saturday that pass rushers Za’Darius Smith and Whitney Mercilus have been activated from injured reserve, meaning they are set to return from injury Saturday night versus the San Francisco 49ers.

Wow, what a boost this gives Joe Barry’s defense.

Smith has effectively been out all season. The Packers’ sack leader from 2019 and 2020 dealt with a back injury throughout training camp and, while he did play in the season opener, his role was limited and he looked far from 100 percent.

It’s incredible how quickly Mercilus has returned. It seemed his season was over when he suffered a torn biceps in November. Just two months on, Mercilus has been activated from injured reserve and is ready to help the Packers’ defense.

While we don’t yet know how big a role either player will have against the 49ers, just being available is huge.

It won’t be a surprise if Rashan Gary and Preston Smith start the game and take the majority of the snaps. This duo has performed well all year, both putting up at least nine sacks in the regular season. But when Za’Darius Smith and Mercilus are called on, they can make an impact.

Smith needs no introduction. He was the Packers’ best pass rusher the previous two seasons with 26 total sacks, two Pro Bowl selections, and a second-team All-Pro to his name.

Mercilus only played four games in the regular season after he joined the team, but he immediately made an impact with a sack and two quarterback hits. Even if he’s limited, Mercilus can help this defense.

It will be the first time we get to see the Smith Bros. along with Gary and Mercilus in the same game. And what a time for it to happen.