Share Video
Smith (knee) has been diagnosed with a torn ACL in his right knee and will be placed on injured reserve, ending his 2016 season, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
The 26-year-old's season disappointingly comes to an end in less than a full game, with Smith having suffered the injury while working on the punt coverage unit on Sunday versus the Falcons. The talented defensive end entered the 2016 campaign with high expectations after tallying 13.5 sacks over the first 27 games of his pro career in a part-time role. Smith was expected to see his playing time expand this season as part of a burgeoning defensive line rotation that also includes 2016 second-round pick Noah Spence, offseason acquisition Robert Ayers and perennial Pro Bowl tackle Gerald McCoy. His absence for the balance of the season could spell extended opportunity for the talented Spence and undrafted rookie Channing Ward.
