Smith (thumb) has been catching balls in recent practices, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith had returned to practice last week but wasn't catching passes, so this is a significant step. Smith missed the entire 2021 season after having surgery to repair a meniscus issue in his right knee but opened training camp as a full participant, only to undergo thumb surgery Aug. 2. Head coach Kevin O'Connell previously said that Smith was on track to be ready for the start of the regular season.