Shi Smith News

Smith also handled punt-return duties, gaining 143 yards on his 23 attempts. Although he temporarily found himself in the dog house after fumbling in a Week 11 loss, Smith profiled as the Panthers' third wideout for most of the campaign. While that marked a promotion from his rookie season -- when he caught just six passes -- the team struggled in the passing game. Going into his third year, Smith will hope to maintain his role, but with a potentially new coaching staff and quarterback combination in Carolina, it wouldn't be surprising if he needs to climb from a depth role all over again.

The second-year wideout recorded a season high in receiving yardage while also tying his high-water mark in receptions. Smith's second touchdown of the season came on a 19-yard grab early in the fourth quarter to extend the Panthers' lead to 11 points at the time. While Sunday's loss eliminated Carolina from playoff contention, Smith will have a chance to build on his solid effort in a Week 18 road matchup against the Saints.

Smith was forced out of this past Saturday's win against Detroit with a foot injury, which forced an MRI on Tuesday. While the results of that test are unknown, he followed up Wednesday's capped session by logging all on-field work one day later. Smith thus is good to take on his tertiary role in the Panthers' passing game Week 17 at Tampa Bay, which has contained him to less than 30 yards in all but one of his 15 appearances this season.

Smith left Saturday's win over the Lions with an apparent foot injury, and he's since practiced in limited fashion Wednesday. If the second-year pro is eventually unable to gain medical clearance prior to Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, then DJ Moore would likely handle punt-returning duties, while both Laviska Shenault and Terrace Marshall would presumably be called upon to command expanded wide-receiver roles this weekend.

Smith suffered a foot injury during Saturday's win over the Lions, and the results of his MRI should reveal the severity of the issue. If Smith isn't available versus the Buccaneers in Week 17 it would not only hurt Carolina's receiving depth, but the team could have to rely on DJ Moore to return punts.

Smith caught one of two targets for 17 yards before exiting with separate foot and head injuries, though it's unclear when or how these issues first arose. With Rashad Higgins (coach's decision) already inactive, the Panthers will be left with three available wideouts for the time being.