OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- After his first practice of the year, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. made it known that he no longer wants to be questioned about his age.

Smith, the NFL's oldest receiver, wants to prove he can still play at the age of 37.

"I'm sick of you all saying, 'How can you depend on a 37-year-old to play this game after a ruptured Achilles?'" Smith said after Thursday's practice. "We're going to see."

Smith was activated off the physically unable to perform list Thursday, and he took the field for the first time since tearing his right Achilles tendon nine months ago. In talking to the media afterward, Smith was his vintage self: defiant, funny and emotional.

He fought back tears when he recounted general manager Ozzie Newsome and coach John Harbaugh telling him to take time to think about his future after he suffered his season-ending injury. Smith acknowledged there were a couple of times he thought about calling it quits, but he ultimately returned for one reason.

"I really came back not to set any records but more because this organization gave me an opportunity," Smith said, his voice cracking at times. "When I got hurt, I felt like I let those guys down in the locker room."

Smith showed no signs of favoring his Achilles while running routes at half speed in what was a walk-through for Saturday's preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts. He isn't expected to play in any preseason games this year.

Harbaugh said he was excited to see Smith but wasn't surprised to see him on the field.

"I would say he was going maybe a little stir-crazy in that training room," Harbaugh said. "I think he wanted to get out on the field and get going again."

Smith, who announced his retirement during last year's training camp, would say only that this was his last year "contractually." He declined to answer whether his 16th season would be his final one.

"You all worry all about the wrong things, and all the good things happen that get glanced over," Smith said. "We're going to have good time. We're going to have some fun. And we're going to make plays. And, oh yeah, I just happen to be 37 years old while I'm doing it."

Even if this is his final season, Smith doesn't want a farewell tour.

"I'm not in this business to make friends," Smith said. "If you're not in the same jersey as me, I plan to rip you to shreds."

Smith then added, "The bully is back. Vacation is over for the DBs."