Jaylon Smith tore his ACL and LCL at Notre Dame, causing the talented linebacker to slip to the second round of the NFL Draft where he was selected by the Cowboys.
The initial belief was Smith would sit out his entire rookie season to recover from the knee injury. Even Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones told Mike & Mike earlier this week that he doesn't expect Smith to play this season. However, his father and team owner, Jerry Jones, has a lot more confidence.
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Appearing on Dallas radio station 105.3 The Fan, he said Smith will start the season on the PUP list, but won't be placed on injured reserve. Jones added he believes Smith can return either at the end of the season or in the playoffs should Dallas make it that far. He also compared the situation to Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee.
On @1053thefan, Jerry Jones says the #Cowboys are really looking to get play time out of Jaylon Smith near the end of the season.
— Mark Lane (@therealmarklane) May 5, 2016
Jerry says on @1053thefan that the memory of missing Sean Lee in the playoffs two yrs ago influences their decision to keep Smith off IR.
— Roy White III (@RDubThree) May 5, 2016
The Cowboys’ head team physician was the surgeon who repaired Smith’s knee, so the team has the most information possible on his health.
