Packers-Cowboys injury report: Z. Smith said he was encouraged to not play vs. Eagles
Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith said he’s “99.9 percent” healthy despite a knee injury that he said had the team pushing him not to play last week against Philadelphia.
The extra days off from the Thursday game apparently have paid dividends, with Smith no longer on the injury report for the knee injury sustained on the game-clinching snap of Joe Flacco against Denver in Week 3 or the ankle injury sustained in Week 2 against Minnesota.
“To tell you the truth, no excuses, but they didn’t really want me to play but I still played because of who I am and my leadership around here,” Smith said. “To get out there on the field and still be able to help my teammates, we didn’t come out with a win but, to be able to still go out there, I did what I could. This week will be a better week for me. I’ve been getting treatment and I’m almost healthy – 99.9 percent.”
Right tackle Bryan Bulaga practiced for a second consecutive day, an obvious good sign that the veteran will be available for Sunday’s game at Dallas after missing the second half of last week’s game against Philadelphia.
Bulaga was listed as limited participation on Wednesday. With the team going through a padded practice on Thursday, Bulaga again was listed as limited.
Whether it’s Bulaga or Alex Light, who replaced Bulaga for the second half against the Eagles, the matchup against Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence will be a huge. Lawrence has 2.5 sacks this season and 27.5 sacks since the start of the 2017 season. According to STATS as well as Sports Info Solutions, Bulaga has not allowed a sack this season despite matchups against Chicago’s Khalil Mack, Minnesota’s Danielle Hunter and Denver’s Von Miller.
As was the case on Wednesday, receiver Davante Adams (toe), cornerbacks Kevin King (groin) and Tony Brown (hamstring) and running back Jamaal Williams (concussion) did not practice. Williams, who was knocked out of last week’s game against Philadelphia on the opening play, at least went through the opening stretch period with his teammates.
The only noteworthy change to the injury report was Kyler Fackrell (shoulder) returning to practice.
For Dallas, left tackle Tyron Smith isn’t expected to play and right tackle La’el Collins didn’t practice for a second consecutive day.
PACKERS INJURY REPORT
Did not participate: WR Davante Adams (toe), CB Tony Brown (hamstring), CB Kevin King (groin), RB Jamaal Williams (concussion).
Limited: DT Montravius Adams (shoulder), RT Bryan Bulaga (shoulder), ILB Oren Burks (pectoral), OLB Kyler Fackrell (shoulder), TE Jimmy Graham (veteran rest), ILB Blake Martinez (shoulder).
Full: S Adrian Amos (biceps), WR Jake Kumerow (shoulder), S Will Redmond (concussion).
COWBOYS INJURY REPORT
Did not participate: RT La’el Collins (back), LT Tyron Smith (ankle).
Limited: DE Tyrone Crawford (hip), WR Michaell Gallup (knee), DE DeMarcus Lawrence (knee/shoulder/heel), G Zack Martin (back), DT Antwaun Woods (knee).
Full: WR Amari Cooper (ankle), LB Luke Gifford (ankle), P Chris Jones (back), LB Sean Lee (knee), S Xavier Woods (ankle).
