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Sean Smith injury update: Raiders CB insists he’s healthy

By Matt Conner

Jan 7, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) scores a second quarter touchdown against Oakland Raiders cornerback Sean Smith (21) in the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) scores a second quarter touchdown against Oakland Raiders cornerback Sean Smith (21) in the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sean Smith failed to live up to expectations last year with the Raiders, but now he insists he’s healthy and ready to put it all behind him.

The biggest loss for the Kansas City Chiefs in the spring of 2016 was undoubtedly Sean Smith. Serving as the Chiefs top corner and starting opposite Marcus Peters, Smith had proven to be one of John Dorsey’s most effective signings and had given the Chiefs a dynamic physical corner to help remake the secondary. By the time the Chiefs youth movement was in full swing, the Chiefs general manager ultimately made the decision to let Smith walk to the Oakland Raiders on a four-year, $38 million deal.

Since losing Smith, the Chiefs are still searching for their long-term starter opposite Peters, although they have young options like Terrance Mitchell, Steven Nelson or Phillip Gaines along with others. Unfortunately for Smith, the Raiders were also searching for better cornerback play even after signing him. That’s because Smith had a frustrating season of poor play combined with injury concerns.

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Smith spoke to reporters recently and it’s clear he’s in high spirits these days. He’s put the injury behind him and insists he’s back to his old self. The Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Michael Gehlken has the story from Smith:

"“With careers of seven-, eight-plus (years), there is always going to be that one year that everyone looks at like, ‘Oh, man. Did he lose it? What’s going on?’ The coaches have said I’m flying around. I’ve got speed still. I feel great. That one year doesn’t define me. I know I’m way better than that. And I know what people are used to (from me), and I get it. Everyone wants the Sean of old. No problem. …Two-one is back.”"

If Smith returns to form, the Raiders pass defense is going to become fairly scary, especially with the further additions of Gareon Conley in the first round and Obi Melifonwu in the second. Karl Joseph will likely breakout in a much bigger way after his rookie season at safety as well.

Smith had 2 inteceptions and 11 passes defended in 2016 for the Raiders.

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