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.
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.


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.
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