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A concrete look at why Cowboys are now so optimistic about Jaylon Smith's recovery

Jerry Jones loves to say that Jaylon Smith's arrow is pointing up.

A more significant piece of information is that the linebacker can now flex his left toes up.

Optimism about Smith's return from a devastating knee injury continues to build at The Star. The next step in his long road back took place Tuesday when the linebacker went through his first practice since being drafted by the Cowboys 13 months ago.

Is it realistic to expect that Smith's nerve will regenerate 100 percent? How effective can he be if it doesn't? Does he open himself up to other injuries if he must play with an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO)?