FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 12/9/2008 10:02am et

Carolina Panthers WR Steve Smith had nine catches for 117 yards with a touchdown during the team's Week 14 game.

The Huddle Take: Smith remains a top-tier Fantasy receiver, even with Carolina being a run-first team. Don't let their incredible running game keep you from playing Smith, if you have even the slightest doubt.

Posted: 9/19/2008 12:45pm et

The Associated Press reports Carolina Panthers WR Steve Smith and CB Ken Lucas talked trash, argued and generally disliked each other for more than three years, culminating in Smith's sucker-punch at training camp last month that broke the Lucas' nose. Shortly after the incident, Smith and Lucas finally sat down and talked. Smith said it quickly became apparent a lack of communication was behind their problems. "Flat-out, we said it: I thought he didn't like me and he thought I didn't like him," Smith said. "It's plain and simple." Lucas said he has forgiven Smith. "I would think we're friends. I think the conversation we had would indicate we are," Smith said. "There were some frowns going on, some laughing and we talked about a lot of things. I think that was kind of the icebreaker. Hopefully it continues and I think it will."

The Huddle Take: It's all fine and good that Smith and Lucas have kissed and made up, and the Panthers' 2-0 start sans Smith had to have made the makeup a little easier. Now those who drafted Smith are hoping to see the angry little man who has dominated NFL secondaries return to the field starting this week against the Vikings.

Posted: 9/18/2008 6:00pm et

CarolinaGrowl.com reports Carolina Panthers WR Steve Smith said he does not think this is his last chance with the team after being suspended twice for fighting. 'No, I'm not looking at it what way. I just come here to play. Is it my last chance? I don't see putting myself back in this predicament, no matter what people may speculate. People already had their perception of me anyway. I'm just kind of doing my deal and still going on. Playing football and doing the stuff I need to do. It is what it is. If I allow my past to just stay in the back of my head all of the time then I miss out on the future and the present. That is where I'm at. I'm trying to let it go. Not to forget about it, no. Yes I've made the mistake twice. I'm not planning making it a third time,' Smith said.

The Huddle Take: Some interesting quotes there. It's pretty safe to say Smith isn't the most popular guy in the locker room after having sucker punched two teammates, but something tells us the fellas will warm up to him once he starts hauling in TD passes. There's an excellent chance he'll find the end zone this week against Minnesota's suspect pass defense.

Posted: 9/2/2008 7:41pm et

CarolinaGrowl.com reports Carolina Panthers WR Steve Smith will not play in Week 1 because of a suspension. He will return in Week 3.

The Huddle Take: Most owners already know this, but just a reminder for those who may not have been following the news. He's still a top pick and must start from week 3 on.

Posted: 8/12/2008 12:34pm et

Concussion - Panthers' WR Steve Smith, who was shaken up during Saturday's preseason game, has been diagnosed with mild concussion and he will likely miss at least a few days a practice and he could be held out of the team's next exhibition game as a precaution. Smith was hurt after being hit following a 19-yard reception in the first quarter. He stayed in the game but he complained of dizziness in the locker room at halftime. The team's medical staff does not believe that the injury is serious, but they will keep him out of contact drills until at least Wednesday so that he has time to recover.

Posted: 8/5/2008 12:37pm et

ESPN.com reports Carolina Panthers WR Steve Smith will likely get another chance with the team before possibly being traded. Smith is a favorite of team owner Jerry Richardson, and the team has a lot invested in Smith financially and emotionally.

The Huddle Take: No question that Smith is the No. 1 wideout for the Panthers and it would take alot more than one scrap with another player to send him out the door. Carolina has given the talented receiver a two-game suspension to start the regular season for the fracus but fantasy owners should continue to view him as a solid No. 1 receiver in all fantasy league formats. If anything Smith could be a nice bargin as he will slip some in drafts due to the two game suspension.

Posted: 8/2/2008 2:18pm et

ESPNews reports the Carolina Panthers have suspended WR Steve Smith suspended two games for his involvement in the fight with CB Ken Lucas in practice. Smith will be allowed to play in preseason games and practice with the team, beginning Monday, Aug. 4.

The Huddle Take: Not the way you want to start the season with a highly drafted wideout. Smith should have a bounce back season in 2008 with Jake Delhomme back but this definitely drops his draft stock a bit.

Posted: 8/1/2008 4:51pm et

CarolinaGrowl.com, reports Carolina Panthers WR Steve Smith was sent home Friday, Aug. 1, after punching CB Ken Lucas in the face. According to several people at the practice, Smith and Lucas were talking about a play and Smith ended up punching Lucas while Lucas was resting on one knee. As previously reported, head coach John Fox said the matter would be handled internally but would not say what the team planned as discipline.

The Huddle Take: Sounds like another sucker punch thrown by Smith, if he punched Lucas while he was resting. John Fox has got to put the hammer down on this guy if this is in fact what happened. He's got to suspend Smith for at least the first one or two games of the season or risk losing all credibility, and not just with fans and the media. There's been no indication, obviously, that this will happen, though. Smith remains a No. 1 fantasy wideout, especially if Jake Delhomme shows he's fully recovered from last season's injury.

Posted: 8/1/2008 12:05pm et

The Associated Press reports Carolina Panthers WR Steve Smith and CB Ken Lucas were involved in a brawl on the sidelines of Friday morning's practice session. Lucas was carted off the field with an ice pack above his left eye after Smith punched him in the face.

The Huddle Take: Smith is now 2-0 as a boxer, having previously clocked Anthony Bright during a film session back in 2002. That transgression cost Smith one game and a couple hours in jail; the Panthers haven't indicated what if any punishment Smith may face for his latest KO, but given that history you have to be concerned about Smith's status for Carolina's season opener.