Ravens receiver Steve Smith is in no hurry to return from the torn Achilles that ended his 2015 season.
The 37-year-old Smith said he’d like to sit out the preseason to keep himself fresh and healthy for the start of the regular season in September.
“I’ve been very comfortable throughout my career not playing in the preseason,” Smith told ESPN. “So, I don’t have a problem with that. [it’s] just four games that don’t count and the liability of injury. At the senior-citizen age that I am, I think staying out would be good.”
The Ravens have been taking it easy on Smith, having him stay off to the side while his teammates worked on the field at minicamp, and Smith said he’s good with that.
“After watching them practice and seeing all the plays, nah, I’m good,” Smith said. “I have no sympathy for them.”
Smith has proven that he can get himself ready when the real games start. He and the Ravens are wise not to risk injuries until then.