Let's talk about the Packers' Za'Darius Smith conundrum … once more

After back surgery and months of rehabilitation, Za'Darius Smith appears ready to return to the practice field. What should the Packers expect from him during the remainder of the season?

The ballad of Za'Darius Smith, one of myriad health subplots of the Green Bay Packers' 13-4 regular season, took another turn this week when news surfaced that the team would designate him to return from injured reserve. The move, which will open the door for Smith to practice for the first time since undergoing back surgery in September, comes on the heels of David Bakhtiari's comeback from 2020's torn ACL and could coincide with Jaire Alexander's return from a severe shoulder injury.

Smith's struggles with back injury have largely taken place out of public sight. Trouble first surfaced during training camp when the Pro Bowl pass rusher began training camp on the non-football injury list before returning attempting a return in mid-August. That effort proved futile, as Smith returned to the sidelines mere days later.

Still, Smith somehow managed to play in the Packers' season opener against the New Orleans Saints despite extremely limited preparation. But the comeback did not last long, with Smith playing just 18 snaps in Week 1. He underwent back surgery soon thereafter, spending more than a month away from the team as he recovered. His return to Green Bay generated some optimism that he would play again this season, but the team didn't offer a timetable.