Quarterback Troy Smith returned to the practice field for the first time on Wednesday after missing the past month recovering from severe tonsillitis.
Smith said he’s gained about 10 of the 20 pounds he lost due to the illness, but has not set a timetable for a complete recovery.
“There are some things I have to clear up [before getting back on the field],” he said. “I have to get my stamina back. It feels good to be out there. I have to work hard through the week. When I went through my [illness], I took for granted things I could do on a daily basis, so I’m just playing it by ear and my body will tell me when I’m ready.”
Smith said he was frustrated with the toll the illness took on his body, especially as he seemed poised to earn the starting quarterback job if he had played well in a preseason game at St. Louis. But Smith is very supportive of rookie starter Joe Flacco.
“The cure for me now is winning, and that’s what we’re doing,” Smith said. “I feel tremendous about the situation and being part of this special team.”
Under review
Ravens coach John Harbaugh has asked the league to review Sunday’s 28-10 win over the Browns to determine whether any opposing player intentionally injured running back Willis McGahee’s right eye. McGahee suffered a cut eyelid during the game, which was still swollen on Wednesday.
“That thing is swollen up badly,” said Harbaugh on McGahee’s eye. “As long as he can see, he’ll play. But if he can’t see, he’s not going to be able to play. So, we’ll have to try to get that swelling down … We talked to the league. We asked them for their opinion on what happened, and we’re waiting to hear back on it.”
Take one away
The Ravens only had four sacks against the Browns after league officials reviewed the game film and determined quarterback Derek Anderson had called a running play.
The Ravens, who were originally credited with five sacks, have six sacks through two games entering Monday’s game against the Steelers (2-1), who allowed nine sacks in a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
