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Report: Jaylon Smith regaining muscle control, can lift foot, toes

Joe Robbins / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The prognosis for Jaylon Smith is looking better and better.

Following recent comments from Dallas Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones expressing optimism over the health of the team's 2016 second-round pick, Smith is apparently showing great strides in his recovery from a severe knee injury, according to a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

A damaged nerve in Smith's knee is regenerating and he can now pick up his toes and lift his foot.

A star linebacker out of Notre Dame, Smith missed his entire rookie year due to the injury and the Cowboys are remaining cautious when it comes to how much the 21-year-old will contribute in the upcoming campaign. He is expected to wear a brace when he eventually makes his NFL debut.

Smith won the Dick Butkus award in 2015 as the nation's top collegiate linebacker. He was considered to be a surefire top-10 pick before being injured in his final college game last January.

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