NFL Suspends Ravens’ Jimmy Smith

On Sunday, Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith suffered a season-ending injury. Now, Smith has been hit with a suspension for performance enhancing drugs (Twitter link via Adam Schefter of ESPN.com). Jimmy Smith (vertical)

The good news – if there is good news in this situation – is that Smith can serve the suspension while injured. He has withdrawn his appeal of the four-game ban, so he will be able to take the field when he is healthy for Week 1 next year.

Smith, 30 this summer, tore his Achilles on a non-contact play on Sunday against the Lions. Unfortunately, the injury and the suspension will put a damper on what has been a career year for the veteran. So far this year, Pro Football Focus has Smith ranked as one of the 12 best corners in the entire NFL with a career-high overall score. We have yet to hear an explanation from Smith on his positive test, but critics will undoubtedly connect the dots between his alleged PED use and his improved play.

The playoffs are still within reach for the 7-5 Ravens, but they’ll have to find a way to get by without one of their top defenders the rest of the way.

 

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