NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Titans tight end Jonnu Smith was placed on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, ending his 2018 season.
It was a disappointing development, considering how hard Smith worked to become a big contributor for the Titans, who lost tight end Delanie Walker earlier in the season with an injury.
But Smith isn't wasting any time feeling sorry for himself.
"I just stay in my faith, man," Smith said in the locker room on Wednesday. "Everything happens for a reason. I am a very faithful man, so I just believe it is God's plan, and it's not mine. What's meant to happen, will happen. I am just going to be positive through it all, no matter what I go through. This is just a bump in the road, man. I've been through a lot worse than this. I'll be good. … You just have to be positive and know I am going to get through this like everything else."
Smith, a third-round draft pick by the Titans in the 2017 NFL Draft, was raised by his mother after his father passed away as a result of a tow truck accident when he was four years old. His mother raised six children by herself. When he was young, one of his friends was killed on the streets. Also, as his family dealt with financial issues, Smith moved from Philadelphia to Ocala, Fla, to move in with his mother's sister and brother-in-law. One of Smith's best friends was tragically killed from a gunshot in 2016.
All of those things -- and what's happening in the world -- keep things in perspective, Smith said.
"A lot of people are losing their lives out there, fighting for their lives," Smith said. "People are homeless, people are not eating at night, man. So thinking about those things. … This is just a game, and this is just a minor injury compared to what could have happened. I am going to be good."
Smith suffered an MCL injury against the Jaguars. He said he's still not sure if he'll need surgery, or what his timetable for recovery looks like. Smith suffered an MCL injury at the end of last season as well.
Smith caught 20 passes for 258 yards on the season, with three touchdowns.
Smith said he's talked with Walker in recent days, as they now find themselves looking ahead to 2019.
After his success this season, Smith's confidence has grown even more. Now, he'll support the tight ends on the team's roster – Luke Stocker, MyCole Pruitt, Anthony Firkser and Cole Wick, who was signed on Tuesday off of San Francisco's practice squad.
"I know I am a ball player, man," Smith said. "We still have some dogs in that (tight end) room, so I am confident in my guys. They are going to do what they have to do. And they have my back just like I've got theirs. I know they can hold it down."
