Update on Smith
After weeks of battling a severe tonsil infection, quarterback Troy Smith has been cleared to begin light workouts.
At this point it's unclear how much longer it will take for Smith to get back to full strength.
If you're interested in the medical details of Smith's condition, here you go, but I suggest you don't read this before you sit down to dinner:
Dr. Andrew Tucker, the Ravens' head team physician, said today that Smith's tonsils were so inflamed that he developed a blood clot in one of the veins in his neck. Little clots then began to break off and go to Smith's lung, causing an infection and severe chest pain.
Dr. Tucker called Smith's condition "extraordinarily unlucky", and said that he will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis.
Smith will start light aerobic training this week, and will get back into the weight room sometime soon.
The second-year QB lost 20 pounds because of his condition, and will need to rebuild his strength before he can be considered ready for game action.
So for now, Joe Flacco is the undisputed starter with Todd Bouman backing him up and Casey Bramlet as the third-string option.
When Smith is healthy enough to return, however, head coach John Harbaugh will have a decision to make as far as who gets the playing time. Smith was considered the front-runner for the starting gig before he came down with his illness before Baltimore's second preseason game.
"I know one thing," Harbaugh said. "When he comes back, it's going to be a big plus for us. When he can compete at full strength, it's going to make us a stronger team. To what extent, we'll just have to see when the time comes."
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