The Packers edge rusher group has been surprising in a variety of ways this season. Rashan Gary took the leap and is playing like a top 10 edge in the league. Preston Smith has rebounded from a bad year to be one of the best force players in the run game in the league. Whitney Mercilus was productive for the first time in years on a new team. And, unfortunately, Za’Darius Smith has played just 18 snaps so far.
Now, the injury bug is further infecting the group: Mercilus is out for the year, there’s no telling when Za’Darius could be back, and Gary will, at best, be playing hurt.