Steve Smith Set to Become 14th Receiver with 1,000 Career Receptions

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. needs three more receptions to surpass 1,000 for his career, per ESPN Stats & Information.

If he hauls in more than three catches against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, he would move into 13th on the all-time list, moving past Pittsburgh Steelers great Hines Ward.

Smith's 16th NFL campaign hasn't gone as smoothly as the rest of his career. He's totaled just 417 yards on 36 receptions through seven contests, which is a far cry from the 670 receiving yards the veteran had in the same number of games last season.

Smith was expected to retire following the 2015 campaign, but a torn Achilles cut his season short and likely convinced him to return for 2016. While his season may not be going as planned, the Ravens still sit atop the AFC North heading into Sunday's action against the Cowboys.

Partially impacting Smith's production this season is the offseason addition of Mike Wallace. He signed a two-year contract with the Ravens prior to the season and leads the team in targets (72), receiving yards (673) and touchdowns (4). He's also a close second in receptions (43) behind tight end Dennis Pitta (46).

While Smith isn't the focal point of the offense this season, he's been a key contributor for most of his career. The 37-year-old has topped 1,000 yards receiving in eight of his professional seasons thus far and stands an outside chance at ending his career in similar fashion if he can pick things up in the second half.

Smith's best season as a pro came all the way back in 2005, when he led the league in receptions (103), receiving yards (1,563) and receiving touchdowns (12), per Pro Football Reference. That season earned him Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.

A Super Bowl ring remains the biggest achievement that has eluded Smith thus far. While the Ravens aren't among the favorites to win it all this season, they would just need to get hot at the right time to make a run at it.