Falcons coach Mike Smith returned to Atlanta at about 3:30 a.m. this morning on owner Arthur Blank’s private jet after he was hospitalized in Charlotte, N.C.
Smith was taken to a hospital following the Falcons’ 31-23 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. The club announced he was there for a “non-emergency matter” but what matter isn’t pressing when a coach doesn’t fly home with his team, especially a short flight like that in the Southeast? Smith was examined for chest pains but Sports Illustrated’s Peter King reported tests came back negative on the 52-year-old Smith.
Smith was expected to take part in coaching meetings today. The Falcons have a short week to prepare as they host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night. The team has a walk-through this evening and Smith is expected to meet with media afterward.
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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune