FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 11/19/2009 9:15pm et

The NFL Network, reports Carolina Panthers WR Steve Smith was involved in a minor car accident when he was traveling to Bank of America Stadium for the team's Week 11 game. He is fine and will be able to play in the game.

The Huddle Take: Smith is in the lineup and performing normally for the Panthers against the visiting Miami Dolphins. He is showing no ill effects from the accident and has already been targeted on several occasions with deep passes which indicates that the talented wideout is going full speed ahead in the game. Smith remains a solid No. 2 wideout for fantasy teams this year.

Posted: 11/16/2009 11:07am et

Steve Reed, of CarolinaGrowl.com, reports Carolina Panthers WR Steve Smith took a shot to the ribs during the team's Week 10 game. Smith would not say how severe the injury is, but he hopes to be ready for the team's Week 11 game Thursday, Nov. 19.

The Huddle Take: The injury occurred on Smith's second touchdown grab of the game. He remained on the field for some time, was helped off the field, and did not return to action. Rib injuries (McNabb, Hasselbeck) seem to be running about two games of down time this season, and if Smith's injury falls into the same vein we may not see him for a couple weeks.

Posted: 10/23/2009 11:57am et

Steve Reed, of CarolinaGrowl.com, reports Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said he did not have trade discussions with any team about WR Steve Smith. Smith said he received text messages that he was linked with several teams before the trade deadline.

The Huddle Take: Smith was likely hoping to be dealt, preferably to a pass-first team with a more accurate quarterback. But it's not surprising that Carolina was in no hurry to trade away one of the few quality components of its passing game.

Posted: 10/19/2009 11:35am et

The Charlotte Observer reports Carolina Panthers WR Steve Smith said following the team's Week 6 game that he is unhappy with his role on offense. "I'm no longer an asset to this team," Smith said. Smith caught just one pass for four yards in Week 6. Smith, however, is regularly double teamed and the Panthers tried to get him the ball deep twice early in the game. "Two guys are committed to him every play," QB Jake Delhomme said. "We try to take shot shots, but it's difficult."

The Huddle Take: Wide receivers are always frustrated when they don't get the ball, and Smith is particularly volatile. That said, he's been missing in action this season—and barring a sudden change in the Panthers scheme or dramatic improvement in their quarterback play, there is little indication that will be changing any time soon.

Posted: 8/21/2009 1:46pm et

CarolinaGrowl.com reports Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox said WR Steve Smith (shoulder) will be a game-time decision for the team's preseason game Saturday, Aug. 22.

The Huddle Take: The mere fact Smith is even under consideration to play a preseason game is all the validation you need that his shoulder injury won't keep him out Week 1.

Posted: 8/17/2009 11:35pm et

CarolinaGrowl.com, reports Carolina Panthers WR Steve Smith (shoulder) will not play in the team's preseason game Monday, Aug. 17.

The Huddle Take: The team will certainly proceed with caution with Steve Smith during the preseason as he looks to rebound from his shoulder injury. Fantasy owners should monitor the star wideouts progress the next few weeks but it appears at this point that Smith should be ready when the regular season begins.

Posted: 8/14/2009 5:19pm et

The Rock Hill Herald reports Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox said WR Steve Smith (shoulder) participated in a portion of practice Friday, Aug. 14, but that does not necessarily mean he will play in the team's preseason game Monday, Aug. 17.

The Huddle Take: If Fox decides to risk further injuring Smith's shoulder in a meaningless preseason game, he needs to be fired immediately. Even though it looks like Smith suffered only a bone bruise, the Panthers might as well err on the side of caution.

Posted: 8/14/2009 12:23pm et

Updating a previous report, Steve Reed, of CarolinaGrowl.com, reports Carolina Panthers WR Steve Smith is not participating in team drills during practice Friday, Aug. 14.

The Huddle Take: Smith continues to nurse a shoulder injury, but it's still early in the preseason. Expect him to be back in the mix well in advance of the start of the regular season.

Posted: 8/11/2009 6:09pm et

CarolinaGrowl.com reports Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox said he expects WR Steve Smith (shoulder) to be ready for Week 1. There has been speculation that Smith could miss Week 1.

The Huddle Take: Exhale, all of you who were planning to take Smith early in your draft. It looks like you don't have to downgrade him after all.

Posted: 8/11/2009 1:05pm et

ESPN.com reports Carolina Panthers QB Jake Delhomme said he expects WR Steve Smith (shoulder) to be ready for the team's regular season opener.

The Huddle Take: Smith is as tough as they come, and the really good news is that an X-ray showed no structural damage. He hasn't had an MRI to determine ligament damage, however, so hedge your bets on Smith until everything concerning his condition is known.