Steve

Smith Sr.

Optimistic estimates run from eight-to-twelve weeks. “He’s not out for the season, but anything after that or short of that, I don’t know,” coach John Fox said Tuesday afternoon. “But it’s not season ending at this point.” The Panthers won’t place him on IR. Stash him in fantasy leagues if you have room. But don’t feel that it’s necessary.

If Smith only had to worry about the broken leg, he could possibly return in six weeks. But his agent said Smith also suffered soft tissue damage around the break, and doctors used staples to re-attach at least one ligament in his ankle. The agent expressed concerned that Smith will not play again this season. Coach John Fox remains hopeful, calling Smith’s injury “week-to-week.”

It was a minor injury and Smith will be ready for week one.

The Panthers are banged up and need the roster spot. Smith is expected to make a full recovery in time for offseason work. We still anticipate him being a top 15 WR.

He’ll be fully healthy for April mini-camps. His value next season may depend somewhat on if Muhsin Muhammad re-signs.

Little has been said this offseason about Smith, who is a restricted free agent. He could certainly entice teams to give up draft picks in order to sign him, but Carolina should get this deal done in the coming days. Smith has emerged as a Top 15 fantasy WR.

Smith becomes a restricted free agent in March. They would like to wrap up the deal well before the deadline. Smith and his agent are said to be using Chad Johnson’s five-year extension worth $26 million as a model.

Poole has yet to comment on whether the incident took place. Smith said it occurred as the Panthers prepared to punt midway through the period. “It was one of those things where you don’t know what to do,” he said when asked how he responded. “You’re just thinking, `This dude just spit in my face!’ That’s never happened to me before, not in college, not in junior college, not in high school, not in Pop Warner.”

''You are trying to advance the ball, just like you do at receiver,’' coach John Fox said. ''It’s a critical position. He was missed a year ago, not just as a receiver, but as a return man. We’re doing our best to win and I think he gives us the best opportunity in that role.’'

Smith has not “demanded” a trade, insisting he wants to be “respectful” to the Panthers organization. “In my mind, I have played out every scenario,” said Smith. “I could be moved, I could be cut, I could stay or I could be locked out.” Smith’s agent made it clear the receiver’s priority is a “burning desire” to show he’s a top talent on a contending team “hopefully on the verge of winning a championship.” Smith hinted that the Raiders are not high on his wish list, but the Chargers, Ravens, and Texans may be.