Steve Smith ain't set to hang up his NFL cleats for better

Raven's Steve Smith intends to return in 2016, schedules Achilles surgery

Ravens star receiver Steve Smith has scheduled a quick surgery on Nov. 9 with intentions of playing football next season, sources said. Smith's season ended Sunday when he tore his Achilles tendon in the Ravens' victory against the Chargers.

Smith had said this would be his final season but several people close to him said he is already talking about a return and the Ravens would welcome him back. Smith faces a long return, but the sooner he gets the Achilles repaired the earlier he could conceivably make it back in 2016. Dr. Andrews, an esteemed surgeon, is scheduled to conduct the repair in Charlotte next week.

Smith was again having a strong season for the Ravens and was by far Joe Flacco's top receiving threat and he is beloved in that locker room. Smith was obviously distraught after suffering the injury Sunday.

He did not want the struggling Ravens to deal him prior to this week's trade deadline -- team brass would not even entertain the thought though other clubs inquired -- and said he would only play for the Ravens. Smith was in his second season with the team ‎and was making $3M this season and is signed for 2017 at $3M as well, which is the final year of a three-year deal he signed with Baltimore after ending his long tenure with the Panthers.

Steve Smith Sr. doesn't plan on his NFL career ending with his torn Achilles.