While nearly all of the Ravens' starters didn't suit up for Saturday's preseason game in Miami, cornerback Jimmy Smith took the rain-soaked field in uniform.
After receiving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy, the Ravens want to get Smith as tuned up as possible before a long break from the team and a Week 5 return.
For now, Smith can still practice and play with the Ravens in the preseason. His suspension begins on Sept. 3, at which point he'll be away from the team for nearly a month. Asked how he envisions spending his Sundays during the suspension, Smith said, "Training. Every day."
"It's going to be a challenge but I'm definitely prepared for it," Smith said. "I'm a vet so I know what I need to do to get ready, especially coming back against the Browns with their loaded wide receiver group. I know what's expected and I know what I have to do."
Ravens coaches and players have stated their confidence in the defense’s ability to overcome the absence of its top cornerback and Pro Bowl talent. Baltimore will lean on Brandon Carr, Marlon Humphrey, Tavon Young, rookie Anthony Averett and others.
On Saturday, Smith also said he has the "ultimate confidence" in the defense. Smith has dealt with many injuries over his career, and been forced to watch his teammates try to fill in.
"They did well and they always do well I feel like," Smith said. "I think Brandon Carr and 'Double A' [Averett] is coming on strong right now; Marlon is obviously playing well. We'll definitely be fine. Even 'Stan' [Stanley Jean-Baptiste] is making plays lately. He's a person that can do some good for us."
Speaking to reporters for the first time since the suspension was announced, Smith said the situation has been personally "very difficult" to deal with, but said he couldn't talk much about the nature of his suspension beyond what he already said in his statement.
"It's a family here. The support is tremendous," Smith said. "I appreciate everybody here and talking to me and helping me and making sure my head is straight."
