Smith set to return

By Associated Press, 9/30/2003

Five-time Pro Bowl receiver Jimmy Smith is expected to rejoin the Jacksonville Jaguars tomorrow following a four-game suspension for violating the league's substance-abuse policy.

Also reinstated by the NFL yesterday after substance abuse policy suspensions were Patriots running back Mike Cloud, Denver Broncos safety Lee Flowers, and Atlanta Falcons linebacker Keith Newman. Minnesota Vikings tight end Byron Chamberlain was reinstated but immediately released because he was out of shape.

Smith's return could give a boost to the Jaguars (0-4), who have a total of 24 receptions this season from starting receivers J.J. Stokes and Matt Hatchette. Smith has 642 catches for 8,999 yards over the last seven seasons -- the most productive seven-year span of any receiver in the league.

The Jaguars have until the weekend to decide whether to activate Smith for Sunday's game against the Chargers or wait until next week. Two years ago, Smith denied taking drugs although he tested positive for cocaine after being stopped for speeding in Jacksonville, Fla., the night after a game.

When he was surprisingly suspended this preseason, he acknowledged having a problem.

Smith, who signed a contract with a $10 million signing bonus after a holdout before last season, forfeited about $800,000 in salary during his suspension. Another positive test would subject him to a one-year suspension.

"The best way for me to apologize to my family, the Jaguars and the fans is to never let anything like this happen again," said Smith in a statement.

Titans lose Sirmon

Linebacker Peter Sirmon, the Titans' No. 2 tackler last season, will miss Sunday's game with the Patriots and could be out 2-4 weeks with broken bones in his lower back suffered early in Tennessee's win over the Steelers . . . The Philadelphia Eagles, already without half their starting secondary, may have lost Pro Bowl cornerback Troy Vincent for Sunday's game against the Redskins because of a strained hamstring. Vincent, who left after the Eagles' first defensive series against the Bills and didn't return, will be re-evaluated later this week. All-Pro safety Brian Dawkins and Pro Bowl cornerback Bobby Taylor have missed the last two games with foot injuries. Coach Andy Reid said Dawkins won't practice this week, but Taylor is making progress and could return . . . Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Ellis, eligible for free agency after this season, signed a six-year, $24 million contract extension that includes a $4.2 million signing bonus . . . Cincinnati Bengals running back Corey Dillon is expected to miss Sunday's game at Buffalo because of a groin strain . . . Linebacker Junior Seau was hospitalized over the Miami Dolphins' bye weekend for treatment of a staph skin infection . . . Wide receiver David Boston returned to the San Diego Chargers and apologized for the repeated violations of team rules that got him suspended for a game by coach Marty Schottenheimer.