Panthers Smith likely to miss game against Bears

[zack54attack]

Panthers likely without WR Smith against Bears - NFL - Yahoo! Sports

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP)—If things aren’t bad enough for the NFL’s lowest scoring team, now the winless Carolina Panthers are likely without top receiver Steve Smith for at least one game.

Smith was limping noticeably Monday and wearing a protective boot because of a high ankle sprain. Smith’s agent, Derrick Fox, said the four-time Pro Bowl pick “most likely” will sit out Sunday’s game against Chicago.

Smith repeated coach John Fox’s line of being “day to day,” but also acknowledged his slight chances of a speedy recovery. The Panthers have a bye a week after facing the Bears.

“I’m not a doctor, but if I can’t walk without a boot,” Smith said, without finishing the sentence.

Smith hurt his left ankle in the third quarter of Sunday’s 16-14 loss at New Orleans when a defender fell on his leg after he made a catch along the sideline. Smith hobbled off the field, then was carted inside for X-rays, which were negative.

Smith said he wasn’t feeling much better on Monday.

“Just trying to walk,” he said.

Smith’s absence further depletes Carolina’s struggling offense, which ranks last in the NFL at 11 1/2 points a game. Smith, Carolina’s only experienced receiver, has 13 catches for 174 yards and two touchdowns.

It’s likely the Panthers will start two rookies, David Gettis(notes) and Brandon LaFell(notes), at receiver against the Bears. Carolina (0-4) already starts rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen(notes).

 

[waldo7239117]

This will help a lot, Smith has not been the same in years but he is really their only threat in the passing part. But, the Bears will have to have there eye on Stewart and Williams. The Bears just have to have the ball for the majority of the game.

 

[Scoot26]

Yeah this was pretty expected. Most years, the Bears would win this game with absolute ease...but you cant say that anymore.

 

[waldo7239117]

Yeah this was pretty expected. Most years, the Bears would win this game with absolute ease...but you cant say that anymore.

I think they will. There DL is not too great and the OL will give up sacks because it wouldn't be the Bears OL with not giving up some, but they will not get destroy. And, If Cutler plays, I expect him getting back to the same form as the first 2 games.

 

[X]

We couldn't ask for a better match-up after getting humiliated in the last game. Just gotta do work now, and get back to winning football.

 

[X]

And, on the bright side, J-Pep should play this game w/ a chip on his shoulder...he should be monstrous this game.

 

[Captain Iago]

This is a huge relief for the Bears. Doesn't he usually singlehandedly crush the Bears?