Baltimore Ravens: 3 big things from owners meetings
By Joe Schiller
2. Jimmy Smith is ahead of schedule
It looked like Jimmy Smith was on his way to an All-Pro season before injury struck. Smith suffered a torn Achilles in the first half of a Week 13 matchup against the Detroit Lions.
To add fuel to the fire, news broke that Smith would miss the remainder of the regular season anyway. He was suspended for the final four games of the season for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.
During the media session, Harbaugh provided positive news on Smith’s recovery, per Ravens.com.
"“He seems like he’s doing well,” Head Coach John Harbaugh said Tuesday from the annual owners meetings in Florida. “[Head trainer] Mark Smith says he’s on schedule; maybe ahead of schedule a little bit. I’m kind of counting on him for the season; to start the season and maybe to start training camp.”"
The start of training camp and the start of the season are two completely different timetables.
Smith’s talent has never been questioned but his extensive injury history has forced him to miss numerous games. He’s only played a full 16-game season just twice in his eight-year career. That’s cause for concern and exactly why the team picked up Brandon Carr‘s $7 million option.
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The Ravens’ investment into the cornerback position has paid off. Marlon Humphrey shined as a rookie and only improved with increased playing time. Tavon Young returns off a torn ACL and will look to replicate his impressive rookie season. Maurice Canady also provides versatility in the slot or on the outside. The influx of young talent has given the Ravens more stability than ever before at the cornerback position.
This is positive news on the injury front for Smith but I just have to wonder if we’ll see the same player from last season when he eventually returns.