Dallas Cowboys: Jaylon Smith Nerve Injury Still Hindering Him
The Dallas Cowboys hope Jaylon Smith plays his first NFL snaps in 2017, but his injured knee is still ultimately causing him problems.
The Dallas Cowboys drafted linebacker Jaylon Smith in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft knowing it would be a long process to see the former Notre Dame star reach the field in the NFL. Though it seems like he’ll play at some point during the 2017 NFL season, Smith’s nerve in his injured knee reportedly “isn’t firing,” according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
He followed up on the situation at the present with a series of tweets:
#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
Earlier this month, Smith was shown making cuts and running during rehab drills, but now with the report by Rapoport that Smith will have to use a brace due to the nerve not firing, it does make one wonder if Smith can hold up playing in the NFL at a high level.
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When Smith eventually takes the field for the Cowboys, it is an unknown as to how well he’ll play. If he can live up to how he played for Notre Dame at the collegiate level—a projected top-five pick before being injured in a bowl game—Smith will be a very dangerous player for opposing offenses to game plan for.
Charean Williams of the Star-Telegram quoted Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones about the future of Smith earlier this week:
"‘We think he’s going to be real effective, but how effective remains to be seen, and that’s why I think it’s difficult to say, ‘Well, we expect him to be the dominant player he was at Notre Dame.’ That’s probably high expectations. Is it possible? Absolutely.’"
The expectations are very high for Smith and what he can bring to the Cowboys. However, the question that needs to be keep being asked is how well can he hold up playing at the NFL level. The Cowboys will need Smith to become the type of player Jones believes he can be with the franchise.
Smith’s junior season at Notre Dame saw him total 115 tackles (nine for a loss) and one sack. He also broke up five passes, had two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble in his final collegiate season. That is the type of playmaker the Cowboys need to have return to the field once his rehab is complete.
The remainder of the journey for Smith will be most important for the Cowboys. Having the patience that Smith and the Cowboys have shown thus far, there rehab isn’t being rushed, and he will not be put on the field in game action until they feel he’s 100 percent ready.
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Seeing how Smith plays with a brace to take place of what his nerve is supposed to do will be interesting to watch. If it works like he and the Cowboys need it to, Smith will wreak havoc for a Cowboys defense that can use another playmaker.