Report: Za'Darius Smith Not Likely to Play Against Texans

Debut of Za'Darius Smith will have to wait for Detroit Lions.

Newly acquired Detroit Lions defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) from the Cleveland Browns takes in Pistons game / David Reginek-Imagn Images

The debut of new Detroit Lions defensive end Za'Darius Smith is likely on hold.

After joining his new squad Friday, the team has reportedly decided not to play the veteran against the Houston Texans.

According to the NFL Network, "Lions new pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith, who was acquired in a trade on Tuesday, is not expected to play for Detroit tonight, I’m told. Not quite ready."

The 32-year-old was set to be on his bye week, but ended up in Motown at the trade deadline.

This week, Smith took a couple of days to visit property in Florida to assess damage from the hurricane and to get things in order. He expressed gratitude to reporters that the organization allowed him some time off.

#Lions new pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith, who was acquired in a trade on Tuesday, is not expected to play for Detroit tonight, I’m told. Not quite ready.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 10, 2024

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During his initial media session with reporters, Smith did express a desire to suit up on Sunday Night Football.

Next week, Detroit plays against the Jacksonville Jaguars at home.

Wearing No. 99 in Detroit

In order to wear No. 99 in Detroit, Smith had to cough up some money to Brodric Martin.

“They was like, ‘Man, you got three options.' You can get any number in the 70s, any numbers in the 80s, and I think it was 60s," said Smith. "And I was like, ‘No way.’ I was like, ‘Who have No. 99?’ And they told me who it was.

"And, we looked his number up and called him real quick,. Thankful to him, a guy from Alabama, man – Tuscaloosa -- had a chance to talk to him for a little while, and I had to pay up a little bit. But, all is well. I got No. 99 now.”

While Smith did not give up the exact value, he indicated it was a number that ended with three zeroes.