Report: Steve Smith could return for 2016 season despite plans to retire

Steve Smith could reportedly return for the 2016 season despite previous plans to retire.

Steve Smith could return for the 2016 season despite previous plans to retire, reports NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport.

The veteran wide receiver could come back if he feels healthy and strong enough to play after sustaining a season-ending torn Achilles in a game against the San Diego Chargers on Nov. 1, according to the report. 

In August, Smith, 36, announced he would retire after the conclusion of the 2015 season. He spent the first 13 years of his career with the Carolina Panthers before signing a three-year contract with the Ravens in March 2014. If Smith returned for 2016 he would be in the final year of his contract.

After Smith’s injury, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh told reporters he was confident Smith could return to the football once he recovers. Harbaugh clarified that he wasn’t making an official announcement on behalf of Smith, but simply sharing an opinion based on his relationship with the wide receiver.

• FARRAR: Why Steve Smith won’t go out quietly

Entering his 15th season, the five-time Pro Bowler had 3,262 receiving yards and 73 receiving touchdowns in 198 career games. Before the injury, Smith had 46 catches for 670 yards and three touchdowns on the season.

Sunday, Smith responded to the report on Twitter.

He also mentioned Saturday he could be looking into a television job.

“@89SteveSmith: @ThomasDavisSDTM stop it... working.on these TV gigs @BenjaminSWatson”

— Melissa Jacobs 💙 (@thefootballgirl) December 20, 2015