IR
Injury Back
Est. Return 12/12/2021
2021 Defense Stats
TCKL
1
SACKS
0.0
INT
0
FF
0
TD
0
2021 Defense Projections
2021 Fantasy Outlook
After recording a career-high 13.5 sacks in his first season with Green Bay, Smith backed that up with 12.5 more sacks in Year 2. He got more involved in other areas, too, forcing four fumbles, recovering two of them and also deflecting two passes. Smith doesn't rack up the tackle numbers that other linebackers do, but he's a proven pass rusher and, in the same role he filled the last two seasons, is a good bet to reach double digits in the sack department for a third year in a row. Read Past Outlooks
RANKS
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IDP
Gets surgery, out indefinitely
Smith (back) will be out for an extended period after having surgery earlier this week, but the Packers are hoping he'll return at some point this season, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Based on initial reports, there's at least some chance the surgery turns out to be season-ending. The campaign does last a week longer this year, and Green Bay is among the more likely teams to still be playing late in January. Still, the team will be without its top pass rusher for most of the season, with Smith landing on IR after he tried to play through the injury Week 1 and now requiring a procedure after rest wasn't enough to fix the problem.
Based on initial reports, there's at least some chance the surgery turns out to be season-ending. The campaign does last a week longer this year, and Green Bay is among the more likely teams to still be playing late in January. Still, the team will be without its top pass rusher for most of the season, with Smith landing on IR after he tried to play through the injury Week 1 and now requiring a procedure after rest wasn't enough to fix the problem.
NFL Stats
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2021
2020
2019
2018
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2016
2021 NFL Game Log
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Snap Distribution / Depth Chart
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#4 ROLB
Packers2021 Za'Darius Smith Split Stats
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Measurables Review
How do Za'Darius Smith's measurables compare to other linebackers?
This section compares his draft workout metrics with players at the same position. The bar represents the player's percentile rank. For example, if the bar is halfway across, then the player falls into the 50th percentile for that metric and it would be considered average.
Height
6' 4"Weight
272 lbs40-Yard Dash
4.83 secShuttle Time
4.66 secCone Drill
7.42 secVertical Jump
29.0 inBroad Jump
113 inBench Press
23 repsRecent RotoWire Articles Featuring Za'Darius Smith
Erik Siegrist previews Week 12 with game predictions, fantasy projections and DFS picks as Lamar Jackson and the Ravens square off against the Browns on Sunday night.
Erik Siegrist previews the Monday night matchup with game predictions, fantasy projections and DFS picks as Tom Brady and the Bucs take on the Giants.
Erik Siegrist previews the Monday night matchup with game predictions, fantasy projections and DFS picks as the Rams look to beat the 49ers on their home turf.
Erik Siegrist previews the Monday night matchups with game predictions, fantasy projections and DFS picks as Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers entertain the Bears.
Erik Siegrist previews the Monday night matchup with game predictions, fantasy projections and DFS picks, as the Chiefs look to get back on track against the Giants.
Past Fantasy Outlooks
2020
2019
2016
2015
In this space last year, it was written, "Smith's sack rate (in 2018) rivaled that of pass rushers who finished with more sacks, so if he takes off as the Packers expect, he's a good bet to break into double digits in the sack department for the first time in his career." Well, that's exactly what happened, as Smith finished tied for sixth in the league with 13.5 sacks. Even when he didn't get home, he wreaked havoc on opposing quarterbacks, finishing among the league leaders in pressure rate. Playing in the same defensive scheme without any major personnel changes affecting his role, Smith is a safe bet for double-digit sacks once again.
More Fantasy News
Lands on IR
The Packers placed Smith (back) on injured reserve Friday, Aaron Wilson of Sportstalk 790 Houston reports.
ANALYSIS
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Slated to miss time
The Packers are expected to keep Smith (back) sidelined for an undetermined amount of time, Wes Hodkiewicz of the team's official site reports. "Z's not going to be out there," coach Matt LaFleur said Friday. "Unfortunately, we're going to have to shut him down for a while."
ANALYSIS
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No practice Thursday
Smith (back) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice.
ANALYSIS
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Suiting up Week 1
Smith (back) is active for Sunday's game against the Saints in Jacksonville, Mike Spofford of the Packers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
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Expected to play Sunday
Smith (back) is expected to play Sunday against New Orleans, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
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