Nine months ago, Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith suffered a Lisfranc foot sprain against the Cincinnati Bengals that required surgery and ended his season after six games.
Although Smith hasn't returned to full health, he has displayed speed and cover skills during the Ravens' offseason practices.
"He has worked hard as far as the injury front this year," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said of Smith on Tuesday. "He is getting closer and closer to being 100 percent. He's not there, yet, but nobody has worked harder than he has. He has been here every day since the season was over, so it probably starts that way in terms of leading by example."
The Ravens signed Smith to a four-year, $48 million contract extension this offseason that included $21 million guaranteed with a $13 million signing bonus
Smith was having one of his best seasons before the injury, allowing just 20 receptions for 163 yards and no touchdowns while being targeted just 39 times, according to Pro Football Focus. He finished last season with 28 tackles, one interception and eight passes defended.
Harbaugh singled out Smith as a leader this week.
"He has done it by working hard," Harbaugh said. "He has done it by honing his craft and becoming the very best corner he can be. I love the way he pays attention to detail, but he has also done it by overcoming adversity."