Steve Smith's torn Achilles ended what was supposed to be the veteran's retirement tour. The Baltimore Ravens wide receiver decided to return for another year after suffering what he called the worst injury of his career.
On Monday, Smith said he expects to be fine to start the season, even joking that he'd like to skip offseason work.
"In my little world, I would love to be 100 percent and absolutely do nothing in training camp," Smith said, via ESPN.com. "That would be perfect. I'm not sure how that will flow with (coach John) Harbaugh."
Smith blew out his Achilles on Nov. 1. He recently got positive reviews from Dr. Robert Anderson, who performed the surgery on Nov. 9. The 36-year-old wideout said he's suffered no setbacks or pain that would be a concern.
When asked Monday if he'd be good to go for the regular season, Smith replied: "Yeah, I think I'll be fine."
One of the toughest players in the NFL, Smith is known for playing through pain, so we don't doubt his ability to suit up for the start of the 2016 slate.
While Achilles injuries can sap speed and leaping ability, especially for a player entering his 16th NFL season like Smith, that's not how the 5-foot-9 receiver won in recent years anyhow.
Returning to the field and picking up where he left off last season -- 95.7 yards per game, 14.6 yards per reception -- could cap off what we believe is a Hall of Fame career.
