Smith hauled in his only target for six yards during Sunday's 10-7 loss to the Panthers.
What it means:
Smith logged his first target since the Week 12 loss to San Francisco. This also marked just his second catch over the final eight games of the season, as the fifth-year wideout's role sharply declined after the emergence of undrafted rookie Rasheed Shaheed during the second half of the season. Therefore, Smith finished with his worst season-long stat line since the 2019 campaign, recording 19 receptions (on 27 targets) for 278 yards and one touchdown over 15 games in 2022. The 2018 third-round pick also failed to record at least three touchdowns for the first time despite operating in an extremely undermanned receiving corps for most of the season. Smith is entering the second and final year of his contract with New Orleans, and with ascending rookies in Smith and leading receiver Chris Olave on the roster, the 27-year-old figures to see another extremely limited role heading into the 2023 campaign.
Smith logged zero targets during Sunday's 20-10 loss against the Steelers.
What it means:
Smith did not record a target for the first time this season during the Saints' lackluster offensive showing. The 26-year-old also logged a season-low seven offensive snaps while playing behind Kevin White (31), Chris Olave (36) and Jarvis Landry (37), who returned from his five-week absence due to an ankle injury. As a result, Smith didn't get a chance to benefit from the absence of Marquez Callaway (coach's decision), and he could be relegated to a deep reserve role against the Rams next Sunday.
Smith gathered in three of four targets for 29 yards during Monday's 27-13 defeat to the Ravens.
What it means:
Smith tied with running back Alvin Kamara for the Saints' third most targets Monday. The 26-year-old also caught every ball thrown his way except for a tipped pass that was intercepted by Baltimore linebacker Justin Houston. While veteran Jarvis Landry (ankle) did not play for the fifth straight week, Smith still attracted fewer passes than fellow wideouts Chris Olave (nine) and Marquez Callaway (five). With Michael Thomas (toe) now set to miss the remainder of the season on IR, the 5-foot-11 Smith should once again amass a relatively moderate target share whether or not Landry returns against Pittsburgh on Sunday.
Smith failed to haul in his lone target on 38 offensive snaps during Sunday's 24-0 victory against the Raiders.
What it means:
Smith saw less than two targets for the first time since Week 3 during this blowout win. While his production was limited, the 26-year-old still played the most offensive snaps of any Saints wide receiver, as Jarvis Landry (foot) and Michael Thomas (foot) remained out for the fourth and fifth game in a row, respectively. Smith caught 14 of his 20 targets for 235 yards and a touchdown over the previous five contests, and he should continue to play a prominent role if Thomas and/or Landry remain out during next Monday's game against Baltimore.
Smith secured five of six targets for 59 yards during the Saints' 42-34 loss to the Cardinals on Thursday.
What it means:
The 26-year-old saw increased playing time for a third consecutive week with Michael Thomas (foot) and Jarvis Landry (ankle) sidelined, and Smith had a season-high five receptions while topping 50 yards during the high-scoring matchup. The 2018 third-rounder's role during the Saints' Week 8 tilt against the Raiders will likely depend on whether Thomas and Landry are cleared to return.
Smith caught all three of his targets for 43 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 30-26 loss to the Bengals.
What it means:
Smith benefited from the absence of three of the Saints' top wideouts Sunday, resulting in his first touchdown of the season. The 26-year-old got the start alongside Marquez Callaway, who finished with three catches (seven targets) for 36 yards. Smith could see his role elevated again with a short week ahead, as the collective statuses of Michael Thomas (foot), Jarvis Landry (ankle) and Chris Olave (concussion) will likely be in question against the Cardinals on Thursday Night Football.
