D.J.

Smith

Asked if Hawk would be returning, coach Mike McCarthy replied, “A.J.? I have no reason to think he wouldn’t be.” Hawk reportedly drew derisive whispers from teammates after what was arguably the worst season of his career, and McCarthy suggested that 2011 sixth-rounder D.J. Smith will “push” for a starting job this season. Hawk’s salary may be revisited in August.

Both players missed the entirety of the second half. Bishop’s injury is considered the more serious of the two. He was sporting crutches after the game and will head for an MRI on Monday. Rookie D.J. Smith replaced Bishop while Rob Francois filled in for Hawk.

Although Smith impressed as an impact run defender in Weeks 12-15 last season, the 2011 sixth-rounder expects Robert Francois to back up “buck” ILB Hawk while he plays behind “mack” ILB Desmond Bishop. “It’s still a middle linebacker, but one position (Hawk’s) has more responsibility than the other,” said Smith. DC Dom Capers is confident, however, that Smith can play either position if needed.

Smith was already ticketed for dime ‘backer duties in place of A.J. Hawk, and Desmond Bishop’s (likely) year-ending hamstring tear has vaulted Smith into the base and nickel packages. This is all a recipe for top-notch IDP statistics.

Bishop is currently on the NFI list, and remains without a timetable to return. Given his history of calf issues, this has potential to be a lingering injury. D.J. Smith will get an extended look opposite AJ Hawk in training camp.

In addition to the hamstring injury, Bishop suffered a knee sprain in Thursday’s preseason opener, and will almost certainly be placed on injured reserve. D.J. Smith is now the favorite to start opposite A.J. Hawk in the Packers’ base defense. Bishop is a fiercely physical defender with big-play ability, and his loss is a big early blow to a Green Bay defense that struggled throughout last season. Smith is now a player to target in IDP leagues.

Hawk was soft against the run and didn’t make his usual impact in coverage last season, but apparently still maintains an edge over 2011 sixth-rounder D.J. Smith, who played well down the stretch. Hawk’s $4.4 million salary could have something to do with that, though it’s possible he’ll be asked to take a pay-cut.

Smith’s night is through. He’s the second starting linebacker the Pack have lost this evening, with rookie OLB Nick Perry out with a knee injury of his own. Brad Jones is now on in Smith’s absence. Smith is off to a fast start this season, with 36 tackles and two sacks through five games.

An every-down player in Green Bay’s defense, Smith was filling the old Desmond Bishop role inside next to A.J. Hawk. Used extensively in both run defense and pass coverage, Smith is perhaps the most underrated defender the Packers have. Green Bay is also trying to nurse back NT B.J. Raji from an ankle injury, so a year-ending ailment for Smith would really thwart the up-the-middle defense.

It’s believed to be an ACL tear. Smith is under contract cheaply through the 2014 season and shouldn’t struggle to make the 2013 53-man roster, but his loss will be felt on the heels of Desmond Bishop’s year-ending hamstring tear. The Packers figure to turn to converted OLB Brad Jones next to A.J. Hawk. Green Bay is unlikely to field an imposing run defense in the season’s second half.