Safety Eric Smith will miss the rest of preseason after suffering a left MCL injury during the New York Jets' preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on Friday, according to reports. Smith reportedly suffered hip and knee injuries while making a tackle on punt returner Brandon Tate in the second quarter. An MRI revealed no structural damage and X-rays came back negative.
The Jets hope that Smith will be able to return by the regular season opener on Sept. 9 against the Buffalo Bills. Smith said that he felt a sharp pain in his knee after the game on Friday, and walked out of the locker room with a noticeable limp.
Smith was productive run-stopper for the Jets last season, racking up a career-high 89 tackles along with an interception. He is expected to step down from his starting role to play behind LaRon Landry and Yeremiah Bell this season, but he should see the field plenty in sub packages assuming he is healthy.
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