The NFL debut of speedy Jets receiver Devin Smith will be probably still be delayed.
But it might not be. Smith is ahead of the schedule Jets coach Todd Bowles has shared publicly and was officially listed as probable for Sunday’s game against the Browns on the injury report.
Smith suffered broken ribs and a punctured lung on what Bowles called a “freak play” in a July 31 practice. The immediate diagnosis was an absence of at least six weeks, but Smith has been back at practice this week, participating in team drills but with no contact.
Because he hasn’t been hit and because he missed so much time -- Smith was hospitalized after the injury -- Bowles has said that Smith probably won’t be among the active Jets players this weekend.
At very least, Smith’s status gives the Browns something to think about. Smith was the best deep threat in college football last season and gives the Jets an element they’ve been missing in recent years.