Smith, Rush happy to be reunited
Rush coach Mike Hohensee was in need of some good news last Sunday after watching his team lose 57-56 in overtime at Orlando.
He didn't have to wait long.
At the airport in Florida, Hohensee talked to Khreem Smith and found out the defensive lineman was interested in rejoining the Rush.
In March, Smith was released by the Kansas City Chiefs. By Wednesday, the Rush had activated him from the exempt list and Smith was practicing with the team.
He is expected to start when the Rush (4-2) visit the Kansas City Brigade (0-5) on Monday at 7:30 p.m.
"We didn't have to press the issue much because he was ready to play again in Chicago," Hohensee said. "It was important to him to feel like he was making a difference to a football team, and that's where we come in."
Smith helped the Rush to an ArenaBowl title during his rookie season in 2006. The 6-foot-4, 270-pounder from Oklahoma State had 8 sacks, forced 6 fumbles and recorded 22½ tackles.
Right after the ArenaBowl, Smith signed with the Minnesota Vikings. He spent the first 15 games on the practice squad before recording 1 tackle in the final game of the season. In 2007, he spent the first 12 games on the Chiefs' practice squad and the final four on the 53-man roster.
When Smith left for the NFL, he had only played one of the two years on his Rush contract. This will count as his second year, and he will be a free agent after the season.
"I've stayed in shape with my own little regimen," Smith said. "When I watched the Rush play Orlando on Sunday, I (realized) I missed it."
If Smith plays at a high level, he might very well sign with another NFL team this summer.
"You can't (pass) on an opportunity like that," Smith said. "If it doesn't happen, I'm going to make here my home."
Smith's signing comes at a particularly opportune time for the Rush. Defensive lineman John Moyer injured his left foot against Orlando and is questionable for Monday.
"We're already a high-caliber defensive team and we just got better," Hohensee said.
You make the call: ESPN2's coverage of Monday's game will emphasize helping AFL fans to better understand the game.
The coverage will feature a glossary of more than 100 AFL terms, with an emphasis on rules and formations. Analyst Ray Bentley will focus on the cause and effect of plays as they occur. In addition, both the umpire and the referee will wear microphones.