411 FF Panthers

*Reports from Carolina are that Steve Smith is still not 100%, but getting better.

*Steve Smith was able to practice and is considered a game time decision. If he does play, we question the amount he'll be able to contribute right away and worry that he could aggravate the hamstring in the process. We're keeping him on the bench one more week to see what happens today.

*Steve Smith did not travel with the team (thanks to Tom H. for the heads up on this). Keary Colbert will start in his place with Drew Carter coming off the bench.

The Steve Smith situation is far worse than anyone expected. All week I heard from players and coaches that he would play. Ambrose called him out too, so for Smith not to play means he must be in bad shape. It could be a long year ahead for Smith. Right now the coaches are saying day-to day, which means didly in FFL circles. The team has is very tight lipped about his status, which scares me.

*As those of you who emailed for updates in the past 2 days know, our guy in Carolina says Smith WILL play. I don't know if I'm as confident, but he's not wrong very often.

*Jake Delhomme says Steve Smith will play. I'm not as certain. If he practices today, it's a given. If he's held out again, he might be a game time decision.

*Steve Smith reportedly aggravated his other hamstring in practice yesterday and was unable to go today. Typically if a player isn't able to practice on Friday, they aren't able to play on Sunday. I really don't like the fact that this is the other leg which means he could struggle for a long time. We'll stay on top of this to see if his missing practice is precautionary or something worse.

*Steve Smith revealed that he had surgery in August to relieve an ingrown toenail. Smith says he will be ready to start the season, but has missed a lot of practice. That's why we moved him down the board.

*While Steve Smith sits with a strained hamstring, Keyshawn Johnson is getting tons of reps and almost as much hype in the Carolina area. Our Carolina contact tells that there are a lot of expectations involving KJ and the Panthers in general. Meanwhile, Steve Smith still sits. Very soon he will slide down the board.

*Steve Smith has resumed practicing after missing several weeks with a hamstring injury. Keep an eye on things because those injuries can linger.

*Kerry Colbert is excelling in camp so far this year. He's got the inside track to the #3 receiver position and may be a good handcuff to Steve Smith.

*Steve Smith's hamstring injury concerns me greatly. Hamstring injuries, especially to speed guys have a tendency to linger. If the hamstring is bad, he'll slow down. But Smith is a warrior and he'll be out there. For anyone who remembers LaDainian Tomlinson from 2 years ago, you know this can be fantasy league death. If he's playing, you'll start him, but the injury greatly limits production. If you already own him, see if you can trade him for something valuable before he struggles.

*Forget about Keary colbert. He moved to #3 on the depth chart by the signing of Keyshawn Johnson, and word out of Carolina is that he is about to be replaced by Drew Carter out of Ohio State. Carter is bigger and faster, but routes are his problem.

*DeAngelo Williams has requested to return kickoffs. If he does, that's another notch for Carolinas D/ST as a pick.

*DeShaun Foster has been able to practice and looks healthy. He starts the season as the #1 back, but has rookie DeAngelo Williams right behind him. Don't get overly excited about either, because odds are there will be a goal line back vulturing the touchdowns. Most likely last year's pick - Lonnie Shelton.

*Steve Smith has been slowed by hamstrings this Spring. Nothing serious, but something to watch out for during camp.

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