Packers C Evan Dietrich-Smith sustained a knee injury in Sunday's Week 10 loss to the Eagles. Dietrich-Smith left late in the second quarter and never returned, leaving guard T.J. Lang to snap to Scott Tolzien. Lang had never played center in a game before at any level. The Packers have arguably been the most injury-ravaged team in the league this year.

The Green Bay Press-Gazette confirms the Packers are "banking on" Evan Dietrich-Smith as their starting center. "Like last year, the steps he's made from a professional standpoint are coming to the front for him: leadership, energy, very smart, understands everything," OL coach James Campen said. Dietrich-Smith took over for a fading Jeff Saturday last season, starting the Packers' final four games at center. The 2010 undrafted free agent also made four starts at left guard.

Packers re-signed restricted free agent C Evan Dietrich-Smith to a one-year, $1.323 million contract. Dietrich-Smith, 27 in July, started eight games -- four at left guard and four at center -- for the Packers last season. He's expected to be the full-time starting center after taking over for Jeff Saturday in Week 16 last season.

Packers assigned restricted free agent C Evan Dietrich-Smith an original-round tender. The lowest tender costs just $1.32 million, but also means the Packers won't receive draft-pick compensation for the former undrafted free agent if he signs an offer sheet elsewhere and they decide not to match. Dietrich-Smith took over for future Hall-of-Famer Jeff Saturday down the stretch last season. He's made nine career starts.

The Packers met with restricted free agent C Evan Dietrich-Smith's agent at the Combine.

Packers restricted free agent Evan Dietrich-Smith is expect to be the starting center in 2013. Dietrich-Smith took over for veteran Jeff Saturday late last season and never looked back. Now Saturday has retired, leaving no real competition for the job. Expect the Packers to retain Dietrich-Smith via a second-round, $2.023 million tender.