Jaguars LB Telvin Smith reports back to team, probable against Lions

Smith was with family in Valdosta, Ga., mourning loss of brother

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jaguars linebacker Telvin Smith, who missed several practices while on a leave of absence following the shooting death of his brother, reported back to the team on Friday.

“Great to see him back," said Jaguars coach Gus Bradley. "We talked a little bit about in the team meeting just about how good it is to have him back and the team was excited. Out on the field everybody’s pretty locked in in what we needed to do. I know it was good for me to visit with him.”

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His status for Sunday's game against Detroit remains in question.

"Is the plan having him play on Sunday,?" said Bradley. "Well, he’s probable so we anticipate him, but I do know tomorrow is going to be very emotional and you do want to make sure that a player’s got the right mindset playing in the game. The hope is that he can compartmentalize it and go out there and play, but I’m not willing to say, oh yeah, 100 percent because there’s a lot of things that can happen tomorrow mentally.”

Smith's brother was shot and killed in Valdosta, Georgia, on Sunday. Smith traveled to Valdosta on Monday and was there until Friday. Adding to his emotional week, Smith's girlfriend gave birth to their son this week.

Bradley said that Smith will join the team tomorrow night in Detroit. From there it will be a wait and see approach. 

"I think it’s arrows up," said Bradley. "Anticipate him playing. I’m not saying 100 percent because it’s an emotional time tomorrow. I can’t tell you how he’s going to come out of that. How can anybody come out of that and predict that? Knowing Telvin and what he’s all about, anticipate him playing. That’s why he’s probable.”