It appears that the questions surrounding when linebacker Jaylon Smith would play will be answered this weekend. Owner Jerry Jones confirmed that the second-year linebacker would play in Saturday’s preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Jerry Jones has confirmed that Jaylon Smith will play against the Colts in the Cowboys’ third preseason game.
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— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) August 16, 2017
Smith has not played in a live game since his final game in college at Notre Dame back in January 2016. During that game, Smith suffered a torn ACL and nerve damage in his left knee. The Cowboys drafted the star linebacker in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. However, he didn not play his rookie year as he recovered from his injury.
Per Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News, Smith has been a full participant in practice and gradually increasing his workload in training camp.
When asked about his feelings towards finally stepping out on the field again, Smith told DallasCowboys.com:
“Of course I’m excited to get out there. I’ve waited a long time. But I just go when they tell me. I think we’re close. But I’m not going to rush it. They know the best time for me to play. But when that happens, I’ll be ready to go.”
Smith’s presence on the field could present a big boost to a defense that has been heavily impacted by several free agent departures and multiple suspensions. It’s unclear just how many snaps Smith will see on Saturday, but the Cowboys should be excited to see what the linebacker can do on the field in his first action in about 18 months.
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