Packers ILB D.J. Smith was forced from Sunday's game against the Texans with a knee injury. The Packers have yet to issue official word, but it appears Smith's night is through. He's the second starting linebacker the Pack have lost this evening, with rookie OLB Nick Perry questionable 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.

Packers ILB D.J. Smith is expected to be an "100-percent" player in Green Bay's defense this season. Smith was already ticketed for dime 'backer duties in place of A.J. Hawks, 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.

D.J. Smith is not expected to push ILB A.J. Hawk for a starting job this summer. Although Smith impressed as an impact run defender in Weeks 12-15 last season, the 2011 sixth-rounder expects Robert Fracois 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.