Will Za'Darius Smith play in Week 11? Latest update on Lions edge rusher's workload

The Detroit Lions continue to find ways to win, as the team is 8-1 and has won seven consecutive games after a 1-1 start. Dan Campbell's squad picked up a scrappy come-from-behind victory over the Houston Texans in Week 10 and will head back home to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 11.

Though the Lions already have one of the deepest rosters in football, the team is getting some much-needed help on the defensive line. Detroit pulled off a blockbuster deal for edge rusher Za'Darius Smith during the Nov.5 trade deadline. Season-ending injuries to Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport have decimated the Lions' edge rusher group, so the acquisition of Smith couldn't have come at a better time. 

Smith was inactive in Week 10 versus the Texans, as Campbell opted to give the veteran a week off to let his body rest. But Smith is ready to make his Lions debut on Sunday versus the Jaguars, and Campbell revealed what the Pro Bowler's role could look like in Week 11.

Is Za'Darius Smith playing this week?

During his Friday press conference, Campbell said that Smith will play versus the Jaguars but will still have some limitations.

"Yeah, we'll work him in, we'll make sure that we use him appropriately," Campbell told reporters on Friday. "Look, he's going to play on all downs, but we're going to maximize what he's got in the tank to help us. I guess, if you – pitch count, yes, somewhere in there we'll get him some."

Smith will have a ton of pressure on him, as the Lions' pass rush has struggled to generate pressure without blitzing since Aidan Hutchinson went down with a severe knee injury during the team's Week 6 matchup versus the Dallas Cowboys. Though many will expect elite production from Smith, Campbell said he doesn't expect the 32-year-old to post Hutchinson-esque sack numbers but believes Smith's impact on Aaron Glenn's defense will be evident.

"So, would I love to see six sacks? Yeah, absolutely, but no, so don't come out of this game being like, 'Well, he didn't get six sacks. I mean, what are we doing?' He's going to help us and that's going to be evident. That was good to see him yesterday, he's going to help us big-time," Campbell added.

Smith won't play a majority of the snaps on Sunday, but the three-time Pro Bowler's snap count will increase every game, and it's clear that Campbell is ecstatic to see his new defender wreak havoc and play winning football in the Motor City.