It has been a long road to recovery for second-year Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith, as he has worked his way back from a serious left knee injury that involved nerve damage.
However, it appears that there is finally light at the end of the tunnel as owner Jerry Jones stated on Tuesday that Smith will play in Saturday's preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Jerry Jones just confirmed Jaylon Smith will play Saturday vs. Indy
— Nick Eatman (@nickeatman) August 16, 2017
The rehab process has been a grueling one, requiring regeneration of the damaged nerve that allows Smith to gain more control of his left foot. All of this led to Jones voicing much praise toward the 22-year-old about his personal will and determination to return from such a traumatic injury.
Jerry Jones says @thejaylonsmith will make his Cowboys debut Saturday, then said this… @NBCDFW pic.twitter.com/tmMnvOtgIf
— Pat Doney (@PatDoneyNBC5) August 16, 2017
“I just know this. He is a driven player and individual. He is focused. Nobody deserves more because of the hard work, preparation and really overcoming his challenge. Nobody would deserve it more than Jaylon. He has put that in and earned the respect from everybody he's associated with the Cowboys.”
The Cowboys selected Smith with the 34th overall pick in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft despite him being out with the serious leg injury. He had been considered one of the top prospects in his draft class prior to suffering the injury in his final game with Notre Dame in BattleFrog Fiesta Bowl against Ohio State.
It is likely that Dallas will ease him back into action given the severity of the ailment that he is returning to action from. He has the potential to become a major piece to the puzzle defensively for the Cowboys moving forward.
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