Jaylon Smith says nerve regenerating, claims he could've played in playoffs

Dallas Cowboys rookie linebacker Jaylon Smith - who sat out his first season in the NFL due to a devastating knee injury suffered in his last college game - said the nerve in his knee is regenerating, and he believes he could have played at an elite level in the playoffs, according to Brandon George of The Dallas Morning News.

Asked if it's the opinion of his doctors or just his own feeling about his knee's condition, Smith replied, "It's both," according to George, adding that he'll participate in the Cowboys' OTAs in May.

Dallas took the former Notre Dame standout with the 34th overall pick in the 2016 draft, but it was always unlikely he'd be able to suit up this season due to the severe nerve damage sustained when he tore his ACL and LCL during the Fiesta Bowl.

The Cowboys placed the 21-year-old on injured reserve in mid-December after it became clear he wouldn't be healthy enough to contribute late in the season.

sWfhile Smith could have been a valuable piece for the team this postseason, his nerve regeneration is positive news for his future, as it was feared he might never see an NFL field.