Smith broke his tibia during the first half of the Ravens' 30-10 win over the
Dallas Cowboys following a 12-yard run when his leg twisted awkwardly underneath
him on safety Roy Williams' fierce tackle. Smith was on the ground in agony
directly in front of the Ravens' sideline and was immediately transported to
Maryland Shock Trauma Center on Sunday.
Unlike tight end Trent Smith's shattered leg in August of 2003 that placed him
on injured reserve for consecutive seasons, Musa Smith is expected to recover in
time for next season.
"It's my understanding that it went very, very well," Ravens coach Brian Billick
said. "He's obviously done for the year, but they're very optimistic. Unlike a
Trent Smith, which turned out to be an 18-month injury, this is not that severe.
"There's not as many pieces. Wow, that's a warming feeling."
A third-round draft pick last season out of Georgia, Smith rushed for 48 yards
on 12 carries. He'll likely be placed on injured reserve this week, and
Baltimore is already searching for another running back.
Smith's injury was hard for teammates, particularly the way his lower leg was
flopping about.
"I've never seen anything like that in my life," linebacker Ray Lewis said. "My
first thought is, 'That could have been me.'"
The Ravens trailed the Cowboys 3-0 at halftime, and Billick said the injury may
have affected the team's focus.
"Musa, as tragic as that was, happening right in front of the bench and
everybody seeing it and being a part of it, I think it did temper us a little
bit," Billick said. "I don't want to use that excuse, but I think the emotional
edge you have .. that affected this team. We were able to regroup at the half,
but it was a tough thing to do."
Aaron Wilson writes for ravensinsider.com and the Carroll County Times