Steve Smith's 2015 season was supposed to be the ride off into the sunset after a lengthy career with 15 seasons, five Pro Bowls and the 10th-most receiving yards ever. But an Achilles tendon tear has the Baltimore Ravens receiver ready to make a comeback, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports.
Steve Smith reportedly eyeing a 2016 return following Achilles tear
Smith was set to retire, but an Achilles tear has him ready to make a comeback attempt in 2016.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Smith, 36, suffered the Achilles tear on Sunday against the San Diego Chargers and immediately pointed to his foot after he was tackled. He covered his face with a towel and was assisted off the field by trainers without putting any weight on his leg.
Per La Canfora, Smith is getting surgery to repair his torn Achilles as fast as he can so that he can be prepared to return in 2016:
Smith had said this would be his final season but several people close to him said he is already talking about a return and the Ravens would welcome him back. Smith faces a long return, but the sooner he gets the Achilles repaired the earlier he could conceivably make it back in 2016. Dr. Andrews, an esteemed surgeon, is scheduled to conduct the repair in Charlotte next week.
Prior to the injury, Smith announced his intention to retire in August, although more recent reports said he was considering coming back. While his agent said on Friday that he believed the chances of Smith retiring were “50-50,” the receiver continued to insist as late as last week that it would be the end.
In an interview with The Talk of Fame Network, he said his decision didn’t have to do with his ability to make an impact on the field:
“The reason why not has nothing to do with football,” he said on the Talk of Fame Network’s latest broadcast. “It’s one of those things where you just kind of feel some things ... you’re not really sure why or where ... but you feel some things inside of you where you understand you’re coming at peace with things.”
Most of Smith’s explanation for his impending retirement was the lack of a fire and hunger to reach the pinnacle of the NFL. With the new challenge of coming back from an injury that has led many to write him off, Smith has reportedly changed his mind.
“I have a feeling Steve Smith will be back,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said after the game. “I love him, respect him, admire him. I told him that. That’s the kind of man he is and he’ll be back.”
After Week 8, Smith was No. 8 in the NFL in receiving yards with 670. On Sunday, he passed Cris Carter on the all-time receiving list and needs just 39 more receptions to reach 1,000 career catches -- only 10 other players have done that to date in NFL history.
See More:
