Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith expected to play in the season opener – NFL News
Wide receiver Steve Smith is likely to play in the Carolina Panthers’ first game of the season as he returned to the practice on Sunday, September 02, 2012.
Smith was out for two weeks due to an infection on his left foot and missed the Panthers’ final two preseason games.
It was reported that the infection did not seem to be a major injury, but Panthers took precautionary measures and did not allow Smith to play in the final preseason games.
Panthers head coach Ron Rivera was satisfied with Smith’s current condition and was certain about his chance of getting into the starting team in Panthers Week 1 game on Sunday September 09, against Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Smith said:
"Right away he went back into his normal practice mode, which is 100 percent, It was good to see him back on the football field for sure."
Smith was not sure about the reasons that caused the infection. According to him, the infection first showed up on his skin and the foot then started to swell up a bit awkwardly. According to Associated Press, Smith said:
"It's one of those things that happened and I'm not really sure why. So I had to get meds and IVs. It was scary not being able to walk and having to get medicine every day. There was a little bit of nervousness."
Smith is the most vital part of Panthers’ receiving corps and showed outstanding returns last season as he got the support of a quality quarterback Cam Newton.
Smith is regarded as one of the most productive wide receivers currently playing in the league. He has been an integral part of the Panthers offence.
Smith, 33, is a five-time Pro Bowler and has received All-Pro selections three times in his professional career.
He currently holds the record of most receptions and touchdowns for Panthers. He is also Panthers all-time leader in receiving yards with 10,278 yards.
He has played 11 seasons for the Panthers, who drafted him in the third round (74th overall pick) of the 2001 draft.
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