J. Smith Returns To Action
The Ravens' top cornerback is back on the field.
Jimmy Smith participated throughout Thursday's Organized Team Activities (OTAs) practice. He wasn't 100 percent, according to Head Coach John Harbaugh, but he certainly looked close to it.
"He's probably ahead of schedule," Harbaugh said.
"I saw a little competitive streak today. I tried to remind him he has the red jersey. He won't put it on. He just has it tucked in his belt right there. So, I think that tells you where his mind is at."
Smith suffered a Lisfranc foot sprain on Oct. 26 last year against the Bengals. He needed surgery, which knocked him out for the rest of the season.
Smith and the Ravens agreed to a four-year contract extension in April reportedly worth up to $48 million, making him their newest franchise cornerback.
Getting a healthy Smith back and ready for the season is of upmost importance as the secondary struggled without him down the stretch last year, particularly in the divisional playoff loss to the New England Patriots.* *
Campanaro Thigh Injury Confirmed
Harbaugh confirmed the previously reported thigh injury to wide receiver Michael Campanaro.
Campanaro will probably miss all of the Ravens' OTAs and mandatory minicamp, but could be back for training camp starting in late July. It's a "slight" tear, according to Harbaugh.
"No one is more disappointed or frustrated with it than 'Camp,' but he has been working hard, so he'll just have to get that right and be ready for training camp," Harbaugh said.
The quick slot receiver battled hamstring injuries during his rookie season. He missed time in summer camps, then sat out seven games during the regular season after re-injuring it. The hamstring took longer than expected to heal.
Campanaro was looking to get more snaps on offense this year after proving valuable in his limited action last season. He was also considered a leader for the vacant returner spot.* *
Brooks Ahead Of Schedule
Safety Terrence Brooks was surprisingly on the field in his jersey Thursday. He didn't do a whole lot, but seeing him out on the field is a good sign.
Brooks tore his ACL and MCL on Dec. 14 during a Week 15 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The third-round pick has been rehabbing in Owings Mills ever since and is not ruling out a return this year.
The Florida State product had 19 tackles, two passes defensed and a fumble recovery in 11 games last season, and showed flashes of his coverage potential.
"Terrence Brooks is doing really well," Harbaugh said. "No predictions right now, but he looks good. He has worked hard."* *
Three Rookies Get Excused Absence
Three of the Ravens' top offensive rookies were not at Thursday's practice because they were attending the NFL Players* *Association Rookie Premiere, which teaches them the business of football.
First-round wide receiver Breshad Perriman, second-round tight end Maxx Williams and fourth-round running back Javorius "Buck" Allen were all missing, as well as rookies from around the league.
"[It] was scheduled during OTAs on practice days for some odd reason," Harbaugh said.* *
Other Injury Notes
Center Jeremy Zuttah (hip) and right tackle Rick Wagner (foot) were not at Thursday's practice.
Defensive lineman Kapron Lewis-Moore (Achilles) participated fully, but defensive end Brent Urban (knee) was not present for personal reasons.
Tight end Dennis Pitta worked out in individual and positional drills, but did not take part in any of the 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 work. Pitta looked smooth working out and was planting and cutting on his surgically repaired hip.
