The Green Bay Packers continue to get healthy at the right time. Following the return of All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari on Sunday, the team is also getting back one of its most fearsome pass rushers.
Per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, star defensive end Za’Darius Smith has been cleared and should be on the field for Green Bay’s playoff run.
“Packers star pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith, out since late September because of back surgery, was officially cleared this past week & is slated to be designated for return this week,” Rapoport told “Good Morning Football.” Adding, “If all goes well, he’ll be on the field when Green Bay’s playoffs begin.”
From @GMFB: #Packers star pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith, out since late September because of back surgery, was officially cleared this past week & is slated to be designated for return this week, sources say. If all goes well, he’ll be on the field when Green Bay’s playoffs begin. pic.twitter.com/t2iRWiAcvw
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 10, 2022
The NFL world reacted to the huge Packers news.
“Scary hours come the playoffs,” one fan said.
Scary Hours come the playoffs 😤 https://t.co/bikuWMFLXT
— Aaron Dious (@Aaron_DMV) January 10, 2022
“Curious why they didn’t try to play him Sunday if he was cleared,” tweeted Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “He’s got two weeks to get ready. Packers are practicing this week.” Concluding, “If he [returns], you’d think he’d be a situational pass rusher or they would rotate the 3 OLBs.”
Curious why they didn’t try to play him Sunday if he was cleared. He’s got two weeks to get ready. Packers are practicing this week. If he turns, you’d think he’d be a situational pass rusher or they would rotate the 3 OLBs. https://t.co/NW2aD56FEp
— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) January 10, 2022
“…the stars are aligning for Green Bay,” another fan replied. “Not sure anyone in the NFC is gonna be able to go to Lambeau and beat them.”
Jesus the stars are aligning for Green Bay.. Not sure anyone in the NFC is gonna be able to go to Lambeau and beat them. https://t.co/q2A6z48mxE
— Jeff Weidger (@JWeidge51) January 10, 2022
“LET’S GO!!!” commented Las Vegas Review Journal‘s Lukas Eggen.
LET’S GO!!! https://t.co/alWtYFsvsK
— Lukas Eggen (@lukaseggen) January 10, 2022
“Packers LT David Bakhtiari made his debut on Sunday,” Rapoport noted. “CB Jaire Alexander practiced on Friday and now Za’Darius Smith was officially cleared and will practice. Positive injury news as the playoffs near.”
#Packers LT David Bakhtiari made his debut on Sunday, CB Jaire Alexander practiced on Friday and now Za’Darius Smith was officially cleared and will practice. Positive injury news as the playoffs near. https://t.co/sfgcmS2xhW
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 10, 2022
If Za’Darius Smith can even give the Packers some rotational pass rushes that would be huge. Could this be the year in Titletown?
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