The article says he played all 16 games in '19 & '20, but like you I wondered if that was the norm or the exception?
2021 was a lost season with these details coming off of [
en.wikipedia.org]
On July 28, 2021, Smith reported to Packers' training camp with a back injury, and the team placed him on the Non-Football Injury list (NFI). He practiced sparingly during camp, but assured fans that he would be ready for the Packers' Week 1 game with the New Orleans Saints. Smith played just 18 snaps during the 3–38 loss, behind second-year teammate Jonathan Garvin, and was called for a roughing the passer penalty that negated a Darnell Savage interception.
On September 17, Smith was placed on injured reserve with the same back injury that nagged him throughout training camp. During the week of September 27, Smith underwent back surgery and was ruled out indefinitely. The Packers expressed hope he would be back at some point during the season.
On October 29, Smith posted on Twitter that he was back in Green Bay and "can't wait to get back on the field!" Despite that, head coach Matt LaFleur cautioned that their staff were hopeful but would have to "get him back in the building and see where he's at."
On January 12, 2022, the Packers opened the practice window for Smith.
On January 22, Smith, along with fellow linebacker Whitney Mercilus, was officially activated off injured reserve ahead of the Packers' first playoff game in the Divisional Round against the San Francisco 49ers.
On March 14, 2022, Smith was released by the Packers.Prior to 2021, though, it looks like he was fine. Missed a game in 2015, three in 2016, another couple in 2017, and then didn't miss a game for three straight seasons ('18 thru '20).
If he's fully recovered from his back injury then the Rams should at least kick the tires. And because the Packers released him the Rams could pick him up without impacting their haul of 2023 comp picks.
AlbaNY_Ram
