This season hasn't gone as planned for wide receiver Steve Smith, from the Baltimore Ravens' dismal 1-4 start to the four micro fractures in his back.

So, will Smith change his mind about retiring at the end of the season?

"I'm just trying to make it to the airport today, and you're talking about retirement," Smith said Friday. "I'm just taking one day at a time. I'm just trying to be able to get myself together to get ready to play the next game."

Smith dancing around the question proved to be his best moves of the week, and the fact that he didn't say "no" reveals that he is at least thinking about delaying retirement for another year.

The Ravens would certainly welcome him back. He's their only proven wide receiver, and Baltimore has no idea what to expect from first-round pick Breshad Perriman, who has yet to play a snap because of a sprained knee. Plus, Smith is set to earn $3 million in the final year of his contract in 2016, an excellent value considering that ranks 33rd among wide receivers.

One reason why Smith announced he would retire at the end of this season is because he wants to watch his son, Peyton, play college soccer next year. But there is a chance that Peyton could go to Johns Hopkins, which means Smith would play in the same city as his son.

This month, ESPN's Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen reported that no one should be surprised if the Ravens try to keep him around for another season.

Smith, 36, was off to one of the best starts of his career before suffering a back injury on Oct. 1. Even after missing last Sunday's game, Smith still leads the Ravens with 29 catches for 373 yards and two touchdowns. Without Smith last week, the Ravens' wide receivers combined for three catches for six yards after the first quarter. Baltimore might have to play without him Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. Smith said he has low expectations about suiting up.

It's clear that the Ravens need Smith to come back next season. It's just up to Smith whether he wants to end his prolific NFL career a different way.