PRESTON SMITH NEWS

Packers defense slips against Kirk Cousins, Vikings

Despite facing a stretch of quarterbacks that included Kyler Murray, Patrick Mahomes and Russell Wilson, the Green Bay defense had picked up the slack for an ineffective offense an...

NOVEMBER 22, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Vikings outlast Rodgers, Packers 34-31 on game-ending FG

Minnesota beat Green Bay by making sure Aaron Rodgers didn't get to touch the ball last

NOVEMBER 21, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Rodgers remains as vital as ever to Packers' aspirations

Much of the attention on the Green Bay Packers this year has focused on quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ off-field actions

NOVEMBER 8, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Back in action Thursday Smith (oblique) is active for Thursday's game at Arizona.

Impact Smith sat out Sunday's win against Washington -- which was the first missed game of his seven-year career -- but he's ready to play Thursday in the desert. The 29-year-old has 13 tackles (eight solo) and two sacks through six games this season.

OCTOBER 28, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable for TNF Smith (oblique) has been listed as questionable to play versus the Cardinals on Thursday Night Football.

Impact The linebacker was inactive last week versus Washington, snapping a 102-game streak of being active prior. He logged a limited practice Wednesday, likely setting him up to be a game-time decision Thursday. If he can't play, the recently signed Whitney Mercilus could play a big role at outside linebacker versus Arizona.

OCTOBER 27, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Packers' resourcefulness will face huge test at Arizona

The Green Bay Packers have demonstrated all season they can win games when they’re not even close to full strength

OCTOBER 25, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Packers defeat Washington 24-10 for 6th straight victory

Aaron Rodgers threw touchdown passes to three receivers and the Green Bay Packers defeated Washington 24-10 for their sixth consecutive victory

OCTOBER 24, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Won' t play Sunday Smith (oblique) is inactive for Sunday's game against Washington.

Impact Smith was considered a game-time decision and won't be available against his former team, which will be the first missed game of his seven-year NFL career (a span of 102 games). Whitney Mercilus -- who signed with the Packers on Thursday -- may see significant snaps in his team debut, while Jonathan Garvin and Ladarius Hamilton could also have increased roles.

OCTOBER 24, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Consecutive games streak in doubt Smith (oblique) is questionable for Sunday's game against Washington, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.

Impact Smith missed practice Wednesday and Thursday but was able to return for Friday's practice after sustaining the oblique injury in the second half of last week's win over the Bears. He has appeared in all 102 regular-season games since entering the NFL, which is the longest active streak of appearances among outside linebackers. Smith's a game-time decision, so that streak's in danger of coming to an end.

OCTOBER 22, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Packers sign former Texans outside linebacker Mercilus

The Green Bay Packers signed veteran outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus in hopes of boosting not only their pass rush but their championship hopes

OCTOBER 21, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Favre fan Heinicke savors chance to play at Lambeau Field

Washington’s Taylor Heinicke grew up watching Green Bay Packers games on television and idolizing Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre

OCTOBER 21, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Packers taking early command of NFC North race again

Green Bay has a two-game lead over the Bears and Minnesota Vikings in the division standings after winning 24-14 at Chicago on Sunday

OCTOBER 18, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Might not return Sunday Smith (oblique) is questionable to return Sunday against the Bears.

Impact Smith left the game in the second half and it remains to be seen if he'll be able to return to this divisional matchup. If he can't go, the Packers would suffer a big blow on their secondary. Jonathan Garvin and Ladarius Hamilton could replace Smith if he doesn't return to action.

OCTOBER 17, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Records full practice Smith (shoulder) was listed as a full participant in the Packers' practice Wednesday, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Impact Smith injured his shoulder in Week 4 against the Steelers, and the severity of the injury was uncertain after the game. It seems the injury isn't too serious and Smith should be able to play in Week 5 against the Bengals. If Smith is unable to suit up Sunday, expect Chauncey Rivers and Jonathan Garvin to see increased snaps.

OCTOBER 7, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable to return Sunday Smith (shoulder) is questionable to return to Sunday's contest against the Steelers, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Smith injured his shoulder making a tackle on the first drive of the game. The Packers are already without Za'Darius Smith (back), so it would be a big blow to their defense if Smith is unable to return. Chauncey Rivers and Jonathan Garvin will likely both see increased snaps in Smith's absence.

OCTOBER 3, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

First sack this season Smith tallied four tackles (three solo) and a sack in Sunday's 30-28 victory over the 49ers.

Impact Smith was shut out in the Week 2 box score despite playing 82 percent of the defensive snaps, but he bounced back Sunday, recording his first sack of the season and adding a tackle for loss. He and teammate Rashan Gary will be counted on to lead the Packers' pass rush in the absence of fellow edge defender Za'Darius Smith.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Packers placing OLB Za'Darius Smith on IR due to back issue

The back issue that bothered Green Bay outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith throughout the preseason will now force the Packers to play without their Pro Bowl pass rusher for the nex...

SEPTEMBER 17, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Removed from injury report Smith (head) has been removed from the Packers' injury report ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Saints, Wes Hodkiewicz of the team's official website repots.

Impact Smith missed Thursday's practice due to a minor head injury. It looks like the team was just erring on the side of caution with his absence. Barring any setbacks, look for him to take on his projected role as starting edge rusher opposite Za'Darius Smith (back) with Rashan Gary rotating in.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Misses practice with minor injury Smith missed practice Thursday due to a minor head laceration, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Impact Smith's head injury isn't concussion-related, and the injury is viewed as minor. While this development isn't expected to affect Smith's availability for Sunday's season opener against the Saints, it would still be nice to see him return to practice Friday, for peace of mind if nothing else.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Packers could be without LB Za'Darius Smith for opener

The Green Bay Packers could be missing one of their best players when they kick off the 2021 season

AUGUST 22, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

New coordinator Barry gives energy boost to Packers' defense

New Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry can only hope his players display the same spirit on the field that he brings to meetings and practices

AUGUST 9, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Aaron Rodgers not present as Packers open mandatory minicamp

Aaron Rodgers wasn’t with the Green Bay Packers for their first mandatory minicamp session

JUNE 8, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

100-Day Bulldog Countdown: 91 Days - Former No. 91, DE Preston Smith Today, we look back at a former two star recruit turned NFL starter.

JUNE 5, 2021 • 247SPORTS.COM

Packers: Everyone’s a winner with Preston Smith’s restructure After a quiet season by his high standards, something had to give when it came to Preston Smith's contract. The Green Bay Packers didn't wan...

MARCH 13, 2021 • LOMBARDIAVE.COM

Restructures deal Smith and the Packers have restructured his contract in order to lower the team's salary cap number, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Impact Smith has agreed to a pay cut that will reduce his base salary to $1 million, while he'll also receive a $6.5 million signing bonus to go along with the opportunity to earn $4.4 million back in incentives. He only tallied four sacks in 2020 in what was ultimately seen as a disapointing season. As a result, he was seen as a potential release candidate for the Packers. Instead, he worked with the team and will presumably go into 2021 competing for playing time on the edge with Rashan Gary opposite Za'Darius Smith.

MARCH 13, 2021 • ROTOWIRE