Injury report update: Smith returns to practice, one of three players listed as questionable vs Washington

Outside linebacker Preston Smith (oblique) returned to the Packers practice field today as a limited participant, giving hope to the chance that he could suit up against the Washington Football Team this weekend. In his post-practice presser, head coach Matt LaFleur said that the team was going to give Smith, cornerback Kevin King (shoulder), and safety Darnell Savage (concussion) “up until game time” to make a decision if they would play or not.

So there you have it: Three Packers starters defensively will not officially be named active or inactive until 90 minutes before the game kicks off, extending the drama of this week through the weekend. If I were a betting man, I would bet that King would play, due to the fact that he was able to participate in every practice this week, and bet against Smith and Savage playing, due to their early-week absences. Savage, specifically, is tough to gauge because his status will depend almost solely on the league’s concussion protocols.

LaFleur also stated that there is a plan for left tackle David Bakhtiari (knee) returning from the injury list, but that the team is “gonna keep that plan in-house for now.” Offensive linemen Dennis Kelly (back) and center Josh Myers (knee) were officially ruled out today, moves that were expected. It’s worth noting that Ben Braden was the Packers’ fourth protected practice-squadder this week, likely signifying that he will be activated on game day as a special teamer (field goal team) and reserve lineman.

Washington got some bad news today with starting tackle Sam Cosmi, starting receiver Curtis Samuel, starting guard Brandon Scherff, and reserve receiver Cam Sims officially ruled out. The good news, for them, is that starting running back Antonio Gibson (shin) and starting cornerback William Jackson III (knee) were only listed as questionable, though Jackson did not participate in practice on Friday. Star wideout Terry McLaurin (hamstring) will be active for the Football Team this week, despite missing practice on Wednesday and only participating in a limited capacity on Thursday.