The Ravens picked up a key win Sunday, keeping their wild-card hopes going strong. But their playoff push will have to unfold without a key performer the rest of the way.
Jimmy Smith will miss the rest of the season after suffering a torn Achilles’ tendon against the Lions, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets. Smith sustained the injury on a non-contact play but had been dealing with Achilles trouble prior to this unfortunate setback.
John Harbaugh confirmed the diagnosis.
The seventh-year cornerback was operating as one of the best players at his position this season, rating as Pro Football Focus’ No. 12 corner coming into Week 13. This obviously isn’t the first time Smith’s encountered injury trouble. He finished last season on IR due to ankle issues, and a foot malady ended his 2014 campaign after eight games.
The Ravens are more prepared to handle a blow like this in 2017 than they were last season, having signed Brandon Carr in March and having drafted Marlon Humphrey in the first round. But neither were having the kind of season Smith was.
While it is true that neither Carr nor Humphrey was having the season Smith was, both are capable corners and should perform admirably filling in for Smith.