No player may be more excited about getting back on the football field for the Baltimore Ravens than running back Musa Smith.
The team had high hopes for the former Georgia Bulldog when it selected him in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft. Unfortunately for Smith, he has had little opportunity to prove he was worth the pick as injuries have kept him sidelined for much of his professional career. Most notably was a broken leg he suffered in a game against the Dallas Cowboys in November 2004 after he landed awkwardly after getting tackled.
Smith missed the final six games of that season and appeared in just one game last season before being placed on the injured reserve list due to complications from that injury. Smith said he now feels like he is fully recovered and ready to contribute wherever the team needs him.
“It?s been a long road back and I?m justexcited to be out on the field,” he said. “It?s been [almost] two years since I broke my leg and it?s time to put that behind me, come out and just have some fun.”
For his career, Smith has appeared in 21 games, rushing for 79 yards on 21 carries. He also has five receptions for 36 yards and 20 special teams tackles.
“We made some adjustments in the offseason and brought in some great players,” Smith said. “Just like last season, we have some high expectations, only we fell short then. I just want to be on this team and play wherever they need me.”
Ravens coach Brian Billick is energized about what a healthy Smith could mean for the team on the field. He sees Smith not only getting carries behind fellow running backs Jamal Lewis and Mike Anderson, but playing an integral role on special teams as well.
“I?m excited,” Billick said. “We?re talking not only a third-down presence for us, but depth at the running back position. [Two] years ago, he was arguably our second or third best special teams player. So, he?ll help us on a lot of different fronts.”
RAVENS NOTES
First-round pick Haloti Ngata made his debut for the Ravens Saturday afternoon after signing a five-year deal with the team earlier in the morning.
Defensive coordinator Rex Ryan said he would throw Ngata right in the fire this week.
“It helps him a huge amount because now we?ll throw him right in there with the first defense and let him roll. If he would have been a long holdout, he might not have been given that opportunity,” Ryan said.
Five Things to Look For This Week at Training Camp
» Head coach Brian Billick has shown a harder edge, but with leeway toward the veterans. How will this play out as the heat rises?
» Rookie Sam Koch has an edge at punter so far over veteran Leo Araguz. Koch has been impressive in the early goings.
» Who will be the backup running backs? Musa Smith, rookie P.J. Daniels and free agent signing Cory Ross all are battling for spots and time.
» With tackle Jonathan Ogden so far not participating because of the death of his father and questions lingering about other veteran offensive lineman, how will the unit come together?
» Will the Jamal Lewis, who sat out the first two days of training camp with injuries, return to his 2003 form?
