Smith returns, shows support for Flacco
Quarterback Troy Smith returned to practice today, marking the first time he was back on the field after coming down with a tonsil illness that had him hospitalized.
Smith participated in scout team work today, and isn't 100%, but says that he is slowly starting to regain his strength.
"When I went through my injury, you sort of take for granted day-by-day things that you can do," Smith said. "So I'm just playing it by ear and my body will let me know when I'm ready."
"He's proclaiming himself the 'best scout team quarterback ever'," wide receiver Derrick Mason said. "He's never short on words. But he looked good out there. Hopefully, we'll have him back at full strength pretty soon."
After losing around 20 pounds because of his illness, Smith said he has regained around 10. He was smiling during his entire talk with the media, and seemed in great spirits.
"My teammates have been tremendous in my recovery and getting back on the field," Smith said. "It was totally a blast for me while I was laying in my hospital bed, how many people came to visit me. That meant everything to me and that helped me get through the illness."
Joe Flacco was thrust into the starting job after Smith and Kyle Boller had to miss time in the preseason. We all know he's 2-0, but I asked Smith to give his perspective on where the rookie stands so far.
"He's done a tremendous job with the offense and getting us to where we need to be," he said. "We've put him in situations to where you supposedly as a rookie quarterback aren't able to handle it, and he's done an extremely incredible job. I'm rooting for him because as of right now, it lies on him."
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