Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith appears to be on pace to contribute in 2017 after he missed his entire rookie season.
Smith, a former star at Notre Dame who fell to the Cowboys at 34th overall in last year’s draft after tearing his ACL and MCL in his final collegiate game, has been suffering from a condition known as “drop foot.” The condition, which can affect a person’s ability to live their foot or ankle, was the result of Smith’s knee surgery.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, a source familiar with Smith’s prognosis says the damaged nerve in the linebacker’s leg is starting to improve. Here’s more:
The nerve in Smith’s knee has begun regenerating as the team had hoped. There is still a long way to go, but he’s slowly getting muscle control.
Smith can now pick his toes up, and he can lift his foot. More good news. What no one knows is when the nerve will return completely or if it will. And internally, the Cowboys continue to minimize expectations and know he has a ways to go. Nevermind that he missed football last year and must catch up on the field.
As recently as last month, a report claimed Smith’s leg was not showing signs of improvement and that he may never be able to play at 100 percent health. While the latter could still hold true, Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones recently said he is “more fired up than ever” that the team took a chance on Smith. Jones also said he expects Smith to participate in OTAs and training camp.
Some comments Smith made during the playoffs painted a very optimistic picture of his recovery, and he appears to be heading in the right direction. Here’s hoping his condition continues to improve.
