Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker isn’t the only player at the position recovering from an injury this offseason.
Pass-catcher Jonnu Smith is also looking to get back to the field after being sidelined by an MCL injury late last season. As of now, Smith has not been cleared to practice, and no clear timetable has been released on when he will be back at full capacity.
The Titans’ decision to a forgo a tight end in both the 2019 NFL Draft and thus far in free agency does serve as a good indicator the team is confident in both Smith and Walker’s return ahead of the season.
“Just working hard and trying to get as better as I was before, stronger, faster,” Smith said of his recovery. “That’s what I’m doing every day. So, I can guarantee you that. It’s just patience. I got to stick to the plan and be patient.”
This isn’t Smith’s first knee injury, either.
Before he tore his MCL against the New England Patriots in January of 2018, the 23-year-old tore his ACL during his college career at Florida International, and was able to bounce back. The Titans will hope to see him do the same this year.
Smith started slow in the place of an injured Walker last season, but undoubtedly had the momentum working in his favor before he was forced off the field.
Last year, he led Titans tight ends with 20 receptions for 258 yards and three touchdowns.
He now totals 38 catches for 415 yards and five touchdowns heading into his third NFL season.
