L.J. Smith is learning that some labels are stickier than others.
For a few years when he played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Smith had developed a reputation as one of the better pass-catching tight ends in the NFL. In 2005 and 2006, Smith caught a total of 111 passes for 1,293 yards and eight touchdowns.
But the next two seasons were marred by injury and low production (59 total catches for 534 yards and four touchdowns), and it's that characterization that has been following Smith - who was signed by the Ravens three months ago - for longer than he would have liked.
"Once you get labeled - and I got labeled the past couple of years as a guy who got hurt - that's something that's hard to fight," he said without a hint of bitterness. "If it takes two years to get over an injury, it usually takes twice as long to get that label off of you. I don't have much time in the league. This is my seventh year. So I'm just trying to stay healthy, and I think by coming here where these guys are very competitive, it just brings the best out of you."
Smith, 29, joins a crowded group that includes Todd Heap, Quinn Sypniewski, Edgar Jones and Davon Drew. Each tight end seems to carry his own baggage.
Heap has battled injuries (hamstring, ankle, back) and a lack of productivity (a career-low 35 receptions and 403 yards in a 16-game season in 2008). Sypniewski is trying to come back from a torn ligament in his left knee that sidelined him last year.
Jones is trying to make the switch from linebacker, and Drew is a rookie who was drafted in the fifth round in April.
"He's got a calm, veteran presence about him," tight ends coach Wade Harmon said of Smith. "He's very skilled in the pass game. He's a tenacious guy. It'll be good for Todd and the young guys. He'll be a good addition for us."
Smith is no stranger to the trainer's room either. He was forced to sit out six games in 2007 because of a sports hernia and did not play in two of the Eagles' final four contests, including a playoff game, in 2008 because of a shoulder injury.
When Philadelphia - which selected him in the second round of the 2003 draft - decided not to re-sign him during the offseason, Smith hit the free-agent market. But Smith learned that teams were scared off by his recent medical history.
