In the celebratory mood that pervades Raider Nation, there was a disquieting development Monday with the news that starting tight end Lee Smith will undergo surgery for a reported broken leg and probably will miss the rest of the season.
Smith was injured after catching a short pass in the second quarter of the Raiders’ 28-27 win over the Ravens on Sunday in Baltimore.
Signed by the Raiders as a free agent before last season, Smith has been a vital part of their running game.
“It’ll take several people in all likelihood to fill his shoes because of all that he did — mainly the dirty work, the blocking,” head coach Jack Del Rio said.