This is really the first news that I view as really positive in relation to Smith's recovery.
I doubt anyone noticed but I've barely even been in any of the Jaylon Smith threads at all. If I even commented, it was likely just goofing around and not actually addressing the situation. I stayed away because, well... nobody really knew what was going to happen. I saw no reason for pessimism or optimism particularly (although I'm an optimist by nature). So, I saw no reason to debate one way or another on the subject.
I pretty much just crossed my fingers and hoped for it to work out. Lord knows the guy deserves to have a good NFL career. Terrific person. Terrific attitude. Terrific work ethic in trying to come back.
This news though, is real news. Something we can sink our teeth into and it is very, very good news indeed.
If he's moving his toes, that tells me that the nerve regeneration has already moved through the foot and is nearing the end of its journey (at the toes). My understanding is that the nerve heals, regenerates, fires or whatever you want to call it, from the knee first and then slowly down through the ankle and foot, and then finally down to the toes.
Again, my understanding is that the real danger of spending a second round pick on him was that the nerve might never regenerate, leaving him permanently with drop foot. Since the nerve is obviously healing and he is regaining movement and feeling in the afflicted area, it seems to be confirmation that the worst fears aren't true and that it's only a matter of time before he's pretty much back to normal.
What is probably most encouraging to me is the team confirming that the healing (or noticeable healing) has significantly sped up in recent weeks. Having a marked improvement over the last three weeks bodes very well for his ability to play without a brace this season, in my non-professional opinion.
So, while there are still hurdles to clear, the giant one that worried people the most, seems to have been successfully navigated. He still hasn't played football in over a year but he hasn't been away from the team... he's been in every meeting and has been picking the brain of Sean Lee, the coaches, etc. and is sure to have a firm grasp of the scheme and what will be required of him. And while he hasn't played, he has been rehabbing and working out like a mad man. He is in shape and ready to get back in football shape.
Overall, this is huge for him and for the Dallas defense.
