Dallas Cowboys: Jaylon Smith’s nerve not firing; Will play regardless
According to a source, the nerve in Dallas Cowboys Jaylon Smith’s injured knee is no longer firing. Yet, the team believes he’ll be able to play anyway.
At the beginning of this year, the Dallas Cowboys received some potentially terrific news. According to several sources, the nerve in Jaylon Smith’s injured knee had started refiring. Now, it’s being reported that the nerve is no longer refiring and there’s been no significant change since those initial reports in January.
Early last year, Smith suffered a devastating injury in the Fiesta Bowl against Ohio State. The then 20-year old Notre Dame linebacker tore the ACL and LCL in his knee, resulting in significant nerve damage.
Despite suffering a potentially career-ending knee injury, the Cowboys opted to use a high second round selection (34th overall) on Smith in last year’s NFL Draft. The once-touted top five level talent was forced to sit out his entire rookie season, giving the damaged nerve in his injured knee adequate time to heal.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rappaport, an unnamed source says the Cowboys organization believes Smith can still play with a brace for his drop foot, which is a result of the nerve damage he suffered in his knee.
#Cowboys exec Stephen Jones was optimistic Jaylon Smith will be effective. Yet the nerve has seen “no significant change,” source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 1, 2017
With #Cowboys LB Jaylon Smith’s nerve not firing, he’ll have to play in a game with a brace for drop foot. Would likely be the 1st to do it
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 1, 2017
#Cowboys reality now is they are no longer waiting for Jaylon Smith’s knee to fire. They’re proceeding as if it won’t & he’ll play anyway
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 1, 2017
For the past couple months, Smith himself has been releasing videos of his rehabilitation and workouts. And they are impressive. Smith’s agility and speed seemed to be returning. See the evidence for yourself below…
The Real is back~ #ClearEyeView pic.twitter.com/pbRXeoJFTO
— Jaylon Smith (@thejaylonsmith) February 15, 2017
But this latest news is certainly disappointing. And it will likely force the Cowboys to have a “Plan B” ready just in case Smith struggles or has some sort of setback. Fortunately, Dallas is pretty deep at the position.
Jason Garrett said he can't answer if Jaylon Smith can play with brace, but anticipates him being part of the offseason program from start
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) March 1, 2017
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With Pro Bowler Sean Lee cemented at weakside linebacker, the Cowboys currently have several young players on their roster who could step up if Smith isn’t quite ready to contribute this season.
Those linebackers include Anthony Hitchens, Damien Wilson, Mark Nzeocha and veteran Kyle Wilber. Andrew Gachkar and Justin Durant are currently free agents, but either could be re-signed as well.
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All-in-all, this is not great news for Cowboys fans. But Smith is going to try to play regardless and the Cowboys organization seem to wholeheartedly believe he can be successful. This developing story will certainly be something to keep an eye on this offseason, heading into training camp and throughout the preseason.