The Jaguars have confirmed that star wide receiver Jimmy Smith has been "hospitalized for closer evaluation and follow-up tests after undergoing surgery earlier this month," according to a late-afternoon press release by the team.
It was reported this morning that Smith had been hospitalized Saturday evening. Smith underwent two surgeries recently to alleviate the effects of scar tissue in his abdominal area. The scar tissue is believed to be the result of appendectomy surgery and its complications while Smith was a member of the Dallas Cowboys in 1993.
"He was re-admitted because the progress of his recovery has been slower than expected," the Jaguars press release said.
The Jaguars confirmed that Smith had developed an obstruction in his small intestine, and that a section of intestine was removed. The obstruction is related to scar tissue that developed from his appendectomy and intestinal surgery in '93.
Complications from the appendectomy left Smith's life in danger in '93. He had battled through those complications and their lingering effects to establish himself as arguably the best wide receiver in the game.
Following the first of his two recent surgeries, Smith underwent follow-up surgery the release described as "exploratory."
The Jaguars said Smith will remain hospitalized for another 2-3 days before being sent home to continue his recovery. He is currently undergoing tests to help determine the plan of treatment over the next few weeks.
At the conclusion of this past weekend's mini-camp, Jaguars coach Tom Coughlin said Smith's progress in the month of May will "tell us a lot" about Smith's chances of returning to the lineup next fall.
Smith was a visitor at mini-camp Friday, and he is said to have lost 15 pounds during the course of his medical treatment.
*Vic Ketchman is the Senior Editor of Jaguars Inside Report, the official team newspaper of the Jacksonville Jaguars. One-year subscriptions may be purchased by calling 1-888-846-5247. *
