Steve Smith’s season — and, perhaps, his NFL career — came to an end Sunday.
The Baltimore Ravens wide receiver suffered a torn Achilles during a 29-26 win over the San Diego Chargers, and head coach John Harbaugh confirmed after the game the injury would sideline Smith for the remainder of the season.
Smith announced in August that this season would be his last, meaning the injury very well could be a career-ender for the five-time Pro Bowl receiver.
Harbaugh, however, seems to believe Smith is not ready to hang up his cleats just yet.
“I have a feeling Steve Smith will be back,” Harbaugh told reporters in his postgame news conference. “I love him, respect him, admire him. I told him that. That’s the kind of man he is. He’ll be back.”
Smith has been among the NFL’s most productive receivers over the last decade-and-a-half, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards seven times and earning two All-Pro nods.
The 36-year-old, who joined the Ravens in 2014 after 13 seasons with the Carolina Panthers, leads Baltimore in catches, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns this season. He caught five balls for 82 yards Sunday before leaving the game in the third quarter.
Justin Tucker booted a 39-yard field goal as time expired to push the Ravens past the Chargers. Baltimore has won just two of its eight games this season, with Tucker kicking a game-winner in both.
Thumbnail photo via Tommy Gilligan/USA TODAY Sports Images
