An infection in the left foot of Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith left the veteran’s status in doubt for Week 1, but head coach Ron Rivera gave an upbeat quote on Wednesday that Smith would be in action:
Steve Smith Injury: Panther WR Expected To Play In Week 1
Rivera says Steve Smith is feeling great and is expected to be fine for Week 1 against Tampa.
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) August 29, 2012
Smith's return will be huge for a young Panthers offense and second-year QB Cam Newton. Smith had a resurgent year with Newton behind center, catching 1400 yards in 2011. The Panthers will open with four crucial games; Carolina will play all three division opponents in September (twice on the road) as well as the defending Super Bowl Champion Giants on Thursday Night Football.
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