Dallas Cowboys LB Jaylon Smith close to full return after leg injury

OXNARD, Calif. -- Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith is inching closer to getting back on the field after a horrific leg injury.

Smith is healthy enough to play football, according to Dallas executive vice president Stephen Jones, but the Cowboys will remain painstakingly deliberate in how they bring him along after he missed all of last season because of an ACL tear and significant nerve damage in his left leg.

Smith didn't play last week in the preseason opener in the Hall of Fame game against the Arizona Cardinals. The team has yet to decide if he will play in the second preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday.

Jones said there have been no setbacks in Smith's recovery, adding that there are signs that the linebacker will soon play in a game.

"We are seeing how he progresses," Jones said.

"No need to jump ahead and make a decision whether it's this week or next week. We will see how he progresses this week and see how he responds. ... The time will come when we decide has he had enough to put him in a game situation against the Rams."

Smith was the 34th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, even though Dallas knew he couldn't play at all last season. He suffered his injuries in Notre Dame's appearance in the Fiesta Bowl, finishing that season with 114 tackles, including nine for loss.

He did nothing but rehab during last season. Now, he's close.

"The big thing about Jaylon is he is better every time he goes out there," Jones said. "He is more and more comfortable with it. At the same time, if you left it up to him he would be going every play in the Hall of Fame game.

"We have to protect Jaylon at the end of the day for Jaylon. He is going to around here for many years to come. We have to handle it the right way for Jaylon."