New York Jets rookie wide receiver had the play of the day at training camp Friday, but that play may also cost Devin Smith an extended amount of time. The rookie suffered his first major injury in his very young NFL career. Smith suffered broken ribs and a punctured lung during training camp Friday, the team announced. Smith will now miss likely all of camp and possibly a portion of the pre season. The Jets said Smith was staying over night in the hospital for precautionary measures.
Coming out of Ohio State University in 2015, the Jets selected the athletic and speedy Smith in the draft in the second round, pick number 37 overall. Smith was one of the best receivers in the draft this year, and helped Ohio St. to a championship last season. The Jets had high hopes for Smith as the potential number three receiver behind Eric Decker and the newly acquired, Brandon Marshall.
NFL Network's Albert Breer reported the timetable for his return should be 4-6 weeks. New Jets Head Coach Todd Bowles confirmed this report at a press conference.
Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN New York says the injury likely occurred during an impressive catch by Devin Smith.
"Rookie wide receiver Devin Smith drew cheers when he managed to haul in a deflected pass while in the air for an impressive catch on Friday.
But as Smith came down while making the catch over cornerback Marcus Williams, the receiver was bumped from behind in the head/neck area by safety Jaiquawn Jarrett and was slow to get up. Not long after his best play of camp, Smith was taken inside for a further look."
While it doesn't appear to be a huge loss right now for the Jets who have Marshall, Decker and Jeremy Kerley, Smith likely would have been a good target for the struggling quarterback Geno Smith. While we will have to wait and see how Smith comes back, it is probable that once he returns to the field he will be a big contributor with the Jets in 2015, and a good target for Smith to throw to.