Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Andre Smith had surgery on the same foot he had surgery on last season and is expected to be sidelined for the next 10 weeks. The surgery was performed this time around as a clean-up procedure to prevent future breaks in the foot and should be rehabilitated in time for the start of organized team activities in May.
Even though his injury allowed him to return for the remaining seven games in 2009, Smith's rookie season was not only disappointing, but frustrating for the Bengals considering how the injury could have been prevented.
Smith held out for most of training camp last season and didn't sign with the Bengals until the end of August until they agree on a four-year deal worth $26 million—$21 million of which is guaranteed.
While his teammates spent their time in Georgetown, Kentucky preparing for the upcoming season, Smith was left to stay his shape on his own time until the two parties came to an agreement. It was only two days after he finally came to an agreement with the Bengals that he fractured his left foot during a non-contact drill that ended up sidelining him for most of his rookie season.
The question that will now linger in the back of the minds of the Bengals’ organization and their fans is if Smith’s injury could have been prevented. If he had just put his selfishness aside during contract negotiations and showed up to training camp on time, would the injury even have happened?
As great as it was for Smith to stay in shape on his own during the holdout, there’s no way his workout could have been as intense as the one Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis was giving to his players at training camp. Had he been in the right shape at the time he finally entered training camp towards the end of August, Smith may not have even fractured his foot.
Instead, the Bengals have to worry about how Smith’s foot may have an impact in 2010, a season in which he is expected to be a starter. He may be expected to return in time for organized team activities, but after last season, there’s no telling what to expect from Smith and his foot during the offseason.
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