Steve Smith was taken off the PUP list and practiced with the Eagles for the first time yesterday. The news certainly came to a surprise to Giants fans, who were under the impression that it would be some time before Smith could play, but it’s certainly a surprise to us as well. Smith also met the media and updated how he was feeling. He says he’s shooting to play week one and knew he was close to practicing.
“I was pretty ahead of schedule. Just from working with the coaches and the training staff, they’re really good with rehabbing so it’s good.” Smith continued, “I think I’ll be able to [play week one], it’s up to what the coaches and trainers want me to do. I’m feeling good, and as long as we have no setbacks, that’s what I’m shooting for.”
Smith also said that it will take a few weeks before he’s back in top physical form, but he’s not experiencing any ill effects right now.
“It’ll take me a few weeks, but I feel really good right now. I don’t feel like I’m laboring or I can’t cut. I’m doing good so far”
He’s been doing extra work with Mike Kafka to get up to speed on the offense.
“Yeah. I stayed after with [QB Mike] Kafka and ran some routes and some plays. It was good to get out there with Vick and catch some balls from him.”
Andy Reid wouldn’t give a timeline on Smith or Jeremy Maclin playing in a game. He only said they would take it “day by day” and give each guy more work and more work as they proved they could handle it.