The Pittsburgh Steelers got some bad news today, as veteran defensive end Aaron Smith will be placed on injured reserve with a foot injury that has slowed him down all season. This will be the third season in a row that Smith will not finish the season due to an injury. He has not played more than six games in a season since 2008 season.
Smith is often heralded as one of the most underrated players in the entire NFL, and he is. Smith plays a position that gets absolutely no glory, defensive end on a 3-4 defensive line. The team announced today that the 35-year old Smith will be placed on injured reserve and undrafted defensive end Corbin Bryant will replace him on the roster.
Up until his foot issues starting in the 2008 season, the 13-year veteran started 152 games. Since 2009, he's only started 15. Given his age and his problems staying healthy, this injury could mark the end of his NFL career.
For more on the Aaron Smith injury and the Pittsburgh Steelers, visit SB Nation's Steelers blog Behind The Steel Curtain.