Baltimore Ravens: Jimmy Smith still sidelined with Achilles injury
By Joe Schiller
For the second day in a row, Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith has been sidelined with an Achilles injury.
With all the injuries the Baltimore Ravens have suffered already this season, they can’t continue to sustain anymore. The team has taken another potential blow with cornerback Jimmy Smith.
Smith did not appear to go down with any kind of injury during Sunday’s game against the Steelers. He was absent at practice on Wednesday and it was originally thought he was out for personal reasons. When the Ravens released the injury report later that day, it showed Smith out with an Achilles injury. Today, Smith was absent from practice once again, sparking some concern for his status on Sunday.
There’s been no clarification on the severity of Smith’s injury, but the Ravens are certainly familiar with how serious they can be. Terrell Suggs, Steve Smith Sr. and Ben Watson all suffered season-ending Achilles injuries in years past. It can be devastating and a tough injury to come back from.
Unfortunately, the injury narrative has been all too familiar for Smith. He’s only played a full 16-game season twice (2013, 2015) in his seven-year career. An ankle injury late last season decimated the Ravens secondary down the stretch. They ultimately full short of the playoffs in Smith’s absence.
If there’s any positive news to take away from the injury report, it’s that undrafted rookie Jaylen Hill is back practicing. Hill suffered a hamstring injury before Week 1 of the regular season and has been out since. He had a tremendous preseason that earned him a spot on the 53-man roster. The Ravens could be lacking depth if he and Smith are both out on Sunday.
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If neither Smith or Hill are active on Sunday, expect rookie Marlon Humphrey to continue to see increased reps. He matched up well against the Steelers and has been impressive to watch on the field. The Ravens secondary will have their hands full with two talented wide receivers in Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper.