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Jimmy Smith’s season is officially over as the Baltimore Ravens are placing the cornerback on injured reserve.
Jimmy Smith expected to go on injured reserve.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiecsun) December 30, 2016
Smith’s absence was largely felt in the Ravens fourth quarter collapse against the Steelers, ultimately costing the Ravens a playoff spot. The injury is one of many that Smith has suffered throughout the year.
In an resultant move, the Ravens have promoted rookie wide receiver/return specialist Keenan Reynolds to the active roster. The former Navy star quarterback played in the preseason as the backup returner behind Michael Campanaro. Campanaro has taken over the punt return duties while Chris Moore has returned kicks since the Ravens let go of Devin Hester.
#Ravens announce they have promoted KR/WR and former Navy QB Keenan Reynolds from practice squad. Could see action Sunday. #RavensTalk
— Clifton BrownCSN (@CliftonBrownCSN) December 30, 2016
Reynolds will likely receive an opportunity to make his NFL debut on Sunday. Reynolds will likely be limited to just returning kicks or punts, if he sees the field at all in the Ravens Week 17 matchup against the Bengals. Reynolds will only see snaps at wide receiver if the Ravens choose to bench receivers higher on the depth chart in the second half.
The choice to promote Reynolds gives the coaches a chance to see what he can do in regular season game action, with nothing on the line for the Ravens in Week 17.