Panthers star Smith (hamstring) held out of practice
AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith missed practice Sunday, a day after he strained his left hamstring while running a route at training camp.
Coach John Fox said Smith, who missed the final week of coaching sessions in June with tightness in the same hamstring, is listed as day-to-day. "He was nursing it at the end of summer school, so we have to put him on the shelf, work the rehab, and we'll get him out here when he's healthy," Fox said. "We'll take it as slow as we need to." Smith pulled up while running down the left sideline midway through Saturday's second practice, Carolina's first day of camp. He immediately grabbed for his hamstring and fell to the ground. He was eventually carted off the field. Smith led the NFL with 103 receptions for 1,563 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. Ricky Proehl and Kerry Colbert were Carolina's second-leading wide receivers with 25 catches each. The Panthers added Keyshawn Johnson in the offseason to provide a balanced offensive attack to take double and triple couverage off of Smith.
Fantasy GMs watch this one closely. You wouldn't want to snatch Smith up with your first or second pick only for him to have a long standing battle with this hamstring injury. Expect Smith to rest his leg and sacrifice some valuable preseason conditioning. Smith may slide in overall rankings because of this from 9 or 10 down into the twenties if he continues to report this injury.
