Football
Associated Press 18y

Panthers' Smith does light running, listed as questionable

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Steve Smith got closer to the practice
field Wednesday.

The Carolina Panthers All-Pro receiver did agility drills and
some light running on a separate field while his teammates
practiced. He's listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Tampa
Bay.

Smith, who missed the first two games after straining his right
hamstring Sept. 5, was not seen during any practice last week.

"He's making progress," coach John Fox said. "We'll take it
one day at a time. It was good to have him out there today."

The Panthers (0-2) have scored only one touchdown and 19 points
without Smith, the league's top receiver last season.

Fox wouldn't speculate if Smith, who also caught some short
passes on the side, will return against the Buccaneers.

"It's day to day. I'll talk to the trainers to see how it
reacts after running around today," Fox said. "We'll make that
judgment as we move forward."

Linebacker Dan Morgan will not play against the Buccaneers, the
second straight game he'll miss since suffering a concussion in the
opening loss to Atlanta.

Safety Shaun Williams, who injured his right foot last Sunday
against Minnesota, did not practice and is doubtful. If Williams
can't play, Colin Branch would likely replace him at strong safety.

"He was a starter very early on last year," Fox said. "He's a
guy we have confidence in, so we won't adjust or panic in having
him in there."

Cornerback Ken Lucas (neck), center Justin Hartwig (groin) and
running back Nick Goings (thigh) did not practice and were listed
as questionable.

Receiver Drew Carter (broken finger) was also listed as
questionable, but did practice Wednesday with his right hand taped.

^ Back to Top ^