Ravens' Jimmy Smith avoids serious injury after being carted off practice field

Smith was diagnosed with a low ankle sprain

The Baltimore Ravens dodged what could have been a serious hit to their depth in the secondary. During Friday's practice, cornerback Jimmy Smith was carted off the field after sustaining a right leg injury, per Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. Thankfully, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh says Smith suffered only a sprain.

"He's got a low ankle sprain, so a week or two is what I was told," Harbaugh said, via Pro Football Talk. "It was good news."

Smith was in tight coverage on tight end Mark Andrews when he suffered the injury, per Zrebiec, who also reported he was unable to put any weight on the leg in question before he was carted away. Smith, 33, has spent his entire career with the Ravens -- who drafted him with the No. 27 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. His career has been plagued by injuries, as Smith has played a full 16 games just twice in his 10 seasons. In 11 games played in 2020, Smith recorded 27 combined tackles, one sack and one pass defensed. 

Smith has been loyal to Baltimore, and is playing on his second one-year deal. He even said he would rather retire than play for another NFL franchise. While the injury he suffered on Friday at one point appeared to be rather serious, Smith should be ready to suit up in Week 1.