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Come Fan with UsMonday, June 22, 2026

Steve Smith Missing Practice, Fantasy Value In Question

Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith missed more practice with a sore knee. We break down the fantasy implications.

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Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith was downgraded to a missed practice on Wednesday and then shut down on Thursday as he tries to get over a sore knee. Ron Rivera and Smith seem confident that he'll play, but he will try to rest the knee before their game against the Saints on Sunday. The 33-year-old Smith didn't miss a beat to start the season, catching 7 passes for 106 yards in a week 1 loss to Tampa Bay.

Fantasy Analysis: Despite the fact that Smith and Rivera feel good about his chances to start this week, it’s got to be concerning for fantasy owners to see him miss any practice time, especially at his age. Smith was a phenomenal comeback story last season after totaling 1,394 receiving yards with the young Cam Newton, so he’s still a WR1 when healthy but that’s a little bit in question right now. Smith caught a touchdown in each of the Panthers two games against the Saints last season and would be a must-start if active.

For more on the Panthers, check out the SB Nation blog Cat Scratch Reader. For more fantasy info, check out the SB Nation Fantasy War Room 4-8:30pm ET Monday through Friday and 8am to 1pm on Sunday. Check out SB Nation’s own Fantasy Football game, Pick 6!

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