The Green Bay Packers won’t have All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari on Saturday night against the San Francisco 49ers, but two other All-Pros will make their long-awaited return to the playing field.
Cornerback Jaire Alexander and outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith are both active for the Packers in the divisional round.
Alexander hasn’t played since injuring his shoulder in Week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, while Smith has been out since playing 18 snaps in Week 1 because of a lingering back injury.
Alexander has been practicing with the team in a limited capacity for over three weeks. His shoulder is finally healed enough to get back on the field.
Smith, who needed surgery on his back, was activated from injured reserve on Friday, clearing his path to return.
The pair of All-Pro should help bolster two already impressive position groups on defense. Alexander will join Eric Stokes, Rasul Douglas, Chandon Sullivan and Kevin King at cornerback, while Za’Darius Smith could supercharge a pass-rushing group featuring Rashan Gary and Preston Smith on the edge.
Also, veteran Whitney Mercilus is active after coming off of injured reserve on Friday, providing another option on the edge.
The offense will also get a boost from the return of slot receiver Randall Cobb, who is active after missing the final five games of the regular season with a core muscle injury. He was injured while catching a touchdown pass against the Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 28.
Without Bakhtiari, Yosh Nijman is expected to start at left tackle. The Packers will also be without speedy deep threat Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who is out with a back injury.
