Baby steps.

After missing the start of training camp while on the Non Football Injury list with a back injury, Packers veteran outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith returned to a light practice on Monday as the team begins prepararations for their season opener against the New Orleans Saints. It was the first time he's taken the field to participate in any capacity since August 16th. 

Earlier in the day head coach Matt LaFleur had said “we’re hopeful” when asked if Smith would practice this week, and sure enough there was Smith taking part in individual drills as the team got to work after three days off.

While Smith did not take part in team drills, his participation in individual work is a promising sign that he could be available when the team travels to Jacksonville to take on the Saints.