There’s plenty of time for things to turn around, but the Green Bay Packers could be without one of their best players when they visit the New Orleans Saints for the regular season opener on Sept. 12. A recent back injury has sidelined defensive end Za’Darius Smith, who paced Green Bay with sacks (12.5) and pressures (59, via Pro Football Focus).
Packers coach Matt LaFleur addressed Smith’s situation on Sunday, saying: “I’m not quit sure when we’ll get Z back. … It definitely is a concern.” LaFleur added that the injury “could potentially” impact Smith’s status for Week 1.