Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsSaturday, June 20, 2026

Steve Smith Does Not Have Staph Infection, But Still On Crutches: Fantasy Implications

Steve Smith is still on crutches, but Panthers sources say he isn’t suffering from a staph infection. We break down the fantasy implications.

Aug 11, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) runs out of the tunnel before the start of the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-US PRESSWIRE
Aug 11, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) runs out of the tunnel before the start of the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-US PRESSWIRE
Aug 11, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) runs out of the tunnel before the start of the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-US PRESSWIRE

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith is still on crutches, but reportedly does not have a staph infection in his left foot. Smith has been dealing with a foot infection for nearly two weeks now, and is on antibiotics in hopes of clearing the problem as soon as possible. Though the veteran still can't put any weight on his foot, coach Ron Rivera believes the infection has gotten much better.

Analysis: Smith and the Panthers have maintained throughout his recovery that he will be ready for the regular season opener. So far there has been no reason not to believe them, but we are approaching troublesome territory with the opener just around the corner. Thank goodness it isn’t staph, for the sake of Smith and the Panthers’ locker room, but be sure to monitor the wideout closely for any signs of improvement.

For more on the Panthers, head over to Cat Scratch Reader. For more fantasy info, check out the SB Nation Fantasy War Room 6-10pm Monday through Friday, 4-9pm Saturday and Sunday.

NFL
Best DFS picks for Patriots vs Texans in Divisional roundBest DFS picks for Patriots vs Texans in Divisional round
NFL

Chet Gresham takes us through his favorite picks for FanDuel’s Divisional round DFS matchup between the Patriots and Texans

By Chet Gresham
NFL
Best DFS picks for Bears vs Rams in Divisional roundBest DFS picks for Bears vs Rams in Divisional round
NFL

Chet Gresham takes us through his favorite picks for FanDuel’s Divisional round DFS matchup between the Bears and Rams

By Chet Gresham
NFL
Best DFS picks for Broncos vs Bills in Divisional roundBest DFS picks for Broncos vs Bills in Divisional round
NFL

Chet Gresham takes us through his favorite picks for FanDuel’s Divisional round DFS matchup between the Broncos and Bills

By Chet Gresham
NFL
Best DFS picks for Seahawks vs 49ers in Divisional roundBest DFS picks for Seahawks vs 49ers in Divisional round
NFL

Chet Gresham takes us through his favorite picks for FanDuel’s Divisional round DFS matchup between the 49ers and Seahawks

By Chet Gresham
NFL
Best DFS picks for Patriots-Chargers in Wild Card round matchupBest DFS picks for Patriots-Chargers in Wild Card round matchup
NFL

Chet Gresham takes us through his favorite picks for FanDuel’s Wild Card matchup between the Patriots and Chargers

By Chet Gresham
NFL
Best DFS picks for Jaguars-Bills in the Wild Card round matchupBest DFS picks for Jaguars-Bills in the Wild Card round matchup
NFL

Chet Gresham takes us through his favorite picks for FanDuel’s Wild Card DFS matchup between the Jaguars and Bills

By Chet Gresham