PACKERS OLB SMITH ON IR WITH BACK ISSUE
The back issue that bothered Packers star outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith throughout the preseason will now force him to miss the next few weeks. Coach Matt LaFleur said Friday that Smith was put on injured reserve, meaning he will miss at least the next three games.
Smith, who has 26 sacks for the Packers over the last two seasons, practiced just one day during training camp. He played only 18 snaps in the season-opening loss to the Saints.
“It’s a matter of just, do you keep him in a limited role?” LaFleur said. “Or do you shut him down for a while, try to get him healthy and then get him up to the snap count that we’d like him to be, just like he’s been in the past, because he’s such an impact player? So, that’s just the route that we thought was best long term.”
Smith, who has made two Pro Bowls in the last two seasons since he signed a four-year, $66 million deal with the Packers in 2019, is one of only three players in the NFL with 12-plus sacks in each of the last two seasons (Aaron Donald and T.J. Watt are the others).
SAINTS PUT 2 ON IR; 7 COACHES OUT
The Saints will be without seven assistant coaches Sunday against the Panthers because of COVID-19 protocols and will be missing at least three starters because of injuries.
Defensive end Marcus Davenport (shoulder) and linebacker Kwon Alexander (elbow) were put on injured reserve, meaning they will be sidelined for at least three weeks. Center Erik McCoy (calf ) was also ruled out.
Meanwhile, offensive line coach Brendan Nugent, wide receivers coach Curtis Johnson, tight ends coach Dan Roushar, running backs coach Joel Thomas, offensive analyst Jim Chaney, offensive assistant Declan Doyle and special-teams assistant Phil Galiano will miss the game after testing positive for COVID-19 earlier in the week.
GRIFFEN OUT AFTER DEER-RELATED ACCIDENT
Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen suffered a concussion in a car accident this week after swerving to miss a deer and will miss the game against the Cardinals.
Linebacker Anthony Barr (knee), offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw (groin) and cornerback Harrison Hand (hamstring) also will miss the game.
TOE, ANKLE idle RAIDERS RB JACOBS
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs will miss the game against the Steelers with injuries to his toe and ankle. Jacobs didn’t practice all week after rushing for 34 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1.
MORE INJURY NEWS
Browns starting linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. is going on injured reserve with a hamstring issue that will keep him out at least three games.
Chargers starting offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga was put on injured reserve.
TITANS BRING BACK KICKER SANTOSO
The list of kickers signed by the Titans just keeps growing with the addition of Ryan Santoso to the practice squad.
Randy Bullock will kick Sunday as their fourth different kicker since training camp started. Santoso will provide insurance with Sam Ficken and Tucker McCann on injured reserve.
THIS AND THAT
Cowboys offensive lineman Ty Nsekhe was released from the hospital after suffering a heat-related illness and will not play against the Chargers.
Dolphins wide receiver Will Fuller will be away from the team indefinitely while he deals with a personal issue.