The Steve Smith Sr. return tour is starting soon.
The Baltimore Ravens receiver passed a physical Wednesday and will return to the practice field "soon," per the team. The Baltimore Sun reported Smith could practice as early as Monday.
Smith blew his Achilles in Week 8, 2015. Getting back to the practice field any time before the end of preseason is a positive sign for the 16-year pro, but we shouldn't expect him to play in any games prior to Week 1.
The 2015 season was supposed to be Smith's final in an NFL jersey, but after getting injured midway through another Pro Bowl year, the feisty veteran decided to return. Smith has admitted crossing the 1,000-catch barrier is a major goal. He currently sits at 961. Around The NFL's Chris Wesseling already wrote the definitive case for Steve Smith's Hall of Fame candidacy, but padding the stats could help persuade the fence-sitters.
Last season at 36 years old, Smith averaged more than 95 yards per game over seven contests. Getting the veteran back on the field will be a huge boost for quarterback Joe Flacco, himself coming off an ACL tear.
With rookie Breshad Perrimancontinuing to miss time, Smith's return is vital for the Ravens' passing game. Smith will lead a receiver corps that includes current starters Mike Wallace and Kamar Aiken.
