Report: Za'Darius Smith out long term after back surgery

Green Bay Packers edge rusher Za'Darius Smith underwent back surgery and is expected to miss several more weeks, sources told Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Smith went on injured reserve in Week 2 with the expectation that his absence would be relatively short. Now, the Packers reportedly hope Smith can get back in the lineup before the end of the season.

Smith led the Packers in sacks in 2019 and 2020 and earned a pair of Pro Bowl nods for his efforts. He was slowed by a back injury throughout training camp this year and never appeared close to 100% healthy before the Packers deactivated him.

Green Bay's pass rush has struggled to get home without Smith. Only three teams have fewer sacks than the Packers, who have five through the first three weeks.

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