SHI SMITH NEWS

Goes on COVID-19 list Carolina placed Smith (illness) on the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Impact Smith was a candidate to step in as Carolina's No. 3 receiver for Sunday's season finale in Tampa Bay after Terrace Marshall (foot) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday, but the move to the reserve/COVID-19 list will likely deny Smith the opportunity. With both Smith and Marshall on track to sit out Week 18, Brandon Zylstra now looks like the top option to join starters DJ Moore and Robby Anderson (quadriceps) in three-receiver sets.

JANUARY 6, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Hardly involved Sunday Smith played just three offensive snaps and didn't catch his only target in Sunday's 18-10 loss to the Saints.

Impact Smith surprised with three catches for 86 yards in Week 16, but he wasn't one of three Carolina receivers to see significant playing time Sunday. However, he did match Brandon Zylstra in featuring for three offensive snaps despite Zylstra usually occupying a larger role prior to a stint on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Whether he's fourth or fifth on the depth chart now, though, Smith's upside remains minimal ahead of Week 18's game versus the Buccaneers.

JANUARY 3, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Leads team in receiving Smith caught three of four targets for 86 yards in Sunday's 32-6 loss to the Buccaneers.

Impact Smith, a rookie sixth-rounder, led the Panthers in receiving yards in only his fifth appearance this season, which came after teammate Brandon Zylstra was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list ahead of Sunday's contest. Smith's performance was highlighted by his 63-yard connection with quarterback Sam Darnold in the second quarter, helping set up a Carolina field goal. Even though Zylstra's potential return in Week 17 versus the Saints could affect Smith's involvement, his impact on just 15 offensive snaps Sunday could also result in the team handing Smith more opportunities.

DECEMBER 28, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Can't-Miss Play: Darnold's first pass in return goes for 63 yards to Shi Smith Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold escapes a sack and throws on the run for a 63-yard completion to wide receiver Shi Smith.

DECEMBER 26, 2021 • NFL.COM

Inactive Sunday Smith (coach's decision) is out Sunday against the Falcons, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Smith was active in Week 12 against the Dolphins, playing 14 snaps on offense but never seeing a target. The Panthers have decided to go back to fellow wide receiver, Terrace Marshall, who was a healthy scratch in Week 12.

DECEMBER 12, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Healthy scratch Sunday Smith (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Impact Smith didn't see the field in last week's loss to the Patriots, and he'll be unavailable Sunday. The rookie has had a minimal impact for the Panthers to begin the 2021 campaign.

NOVEMBER 14, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

5 Things to Watch: Shi Smith has his chance The rookie wide receiver will need to play a more significant role on Sunday, with injuries to teammates stacking up.

OCTOBER 23, 2021 • PANTHERS.COM

Should have larger role Week 7 Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said he expects Smith to play at least 15 snaps in Sunday's game against the Giants, Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports.

Impact A healthy inactive through the Panthers' first five games, Smith, a rookie sixth-round pick, finally got the chance to make his NFL debut in last week's 34-28 overtime loss to the Vikings. He took eight snaps on offense in that contest, drawing two targets and recording two receptions for 20 yards. With Terrace Marshall (concussion) having been ruled out for Sunday's game and with Alex Erickson (concussion) listed as questionable, Smith is the only healthy receiver on the roster aside from starters DJ Moore and Robby Anderson. As such, Smith should be the top candidate to join Moore and Anderson when the Panthers roll out three-wide formations, though Carolina is also expected to make frequent use of two-tight end sets featuring Ian Thomas and Tommy Tremble. A true starting role might not be on tap for Smith, but the projected spike in his snaps could be enough to make him an intriguing, cost-effective option to fill out a DFS lineup.

OCTOBER 22, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Panthers' Anderson struggling since contact extension

When the Carolina Panthers rewarded Robby Anderson with a three-year, $37.5 million contract extension in the offseason, they figured he would be a huge and productive part of the...

OCTOBER 21, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Involved in debut Smith caught both of his targets for 20 yards in Sunday's 34-28 overtime loss to the Vikings.

Impact Smith, a rookie sixth-rounder, played eight offensive snaps and seven on special teams in his NFL debut. Along with his couple of grabs, Smith returned a kickoff for 24 yards. With fellow first-year wideout Terrace Marshall now in concussion protocol, Smith stands a decent chance to remain active in Week 7 versus the Giants.

OCTOBER 18, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Set for NFL debut Smith is active for Sunday's game against the Vikings, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Impact Smith was a healthy scratch for the first five games of the season, but he's active for Sunday and is set to make his professional debut. The rookie sixth-round pick is unlikely to be much of a factor in the offense since Carolina's receiving corps is currently in full health, though he could be a factor in the return game.

OCTOBER 17, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Healthy scratch Thursday Smith (coach's decision) is listed as inactive Thursday at Houston, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Impact Smith has been tending to a shoulder issue since Carolina's preseason finale, which was expected to keep him out for 2-to-3 weeks. But since coming off the practice report entirely this week, his pro debut still awaits. Smith may need an injury to a wide receiver ahead of him on the depth chart to do so.

SEPTEMBER 23, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Not ready for game action Smith (coach's decision) is inactive for the Panthers' Week 2 matchup against the Saints, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Impact Smith returned from a shoulder injury to fully practice Wednesday after being sidelined by the issue since Aug. 28. However, reports suggested that he may not get enough work in to be active in Week 2. It's unclear when he may be ready to take the field for his first regular-season contest.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Status remains uncertain Smith (shoulder) returned to practice fully Wednesday, though it's not clear he will play in week 2 against the Saints, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Smith has been sidelined since the team's final preseason game on Aug. 28. That he returned to full practice is a positive, though it could take the rookie some time to ramp back up to be ready for game action.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Panthers Week 1 injury report: WR Shi Smith ruled out Save for WR Shi Smith, who will be out with that shoulder injury, no other active Panther was even listed on the final Week 1 report.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 • USATODAY.COM

Sitting out opener Smith (shoulder) won't play Sunday against the Jets, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Smith's regular-season debut will be put on hold as the 2021 sixth-round pick nurses a shoulder injury. His next chance to take the field will come in Week 2 against the Saints.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Misses second consecutive practice Smith (shoulder) remained a non-participant in Thursday's practice, David Netwon of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Smith remains sidelined by the shoulder injury he suffered in Carolina's preseason finale. The rookie sixth-round pick will likely need to practice in some capacity Friday to have a shot at suiting up against the Jets come Sunday.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Doesn't practice Wednesday Smith (shoulder) didn't participate in Wednesday's practice.

Impact Smith was forced out of the Panthers' preseason finale Aug. 28 against the Steelers with a shoulder injury, which later was accompanied by a prognosis of 2-to-3 weeks on the sideline. Thus, it's no surprise he didn't take the field for the first session of Week 1, but if he's trending toward the front end of that timeline he still may be able to play Sunday against the Jets. Smith's activity is worth monitoring Thursday and Friday to see if he puts himself in that position.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Out multiple weeks Coach Matt Rhule said Smith (shoulder) will be out at least 2-3 weeks, but the Panthers won't place him on injured reserve, Jonathan M. Alexander of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Impact Smith suffered the shoulder injury making a catch in the fourth quarter of the Panthers' preseason finale. The injury ended what was otherwise a promising preseason campaign from the sixth-round rookie as he looks to be a roster lock even with the setback. When healthy, he will likely slot in behind Terrace Marshall and David Moore as the No. 5 wideout in Carolina.

AUGUST 31, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Suffers shoulder injury Smith caught two of three targets for 21 yards prior to exiting with a shoulder injury in Friday night's 34-9 preseason win over the Steelers.

Impact Smith was forced to leave after making a catch during the fourth quarter. Afterward, coach Matt Rhule said Smith's injury seemed "significant," Joseph Person of The Athletic reports. Following a promising preseason run, that issue could stunt the rookie sixth-rounder Smith's availability and open a roster spot at the bottom of Carolina's receiving corps.

AUGUST 28, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Panthers WR Shi Smith is offense's highest-graded player by Pro Football Focus Move over (just a little bit), Terrace Marshall Jr. There’s another Panthers rookie WR that also deserves some early praise, and that’s Shi...

AUGUST 23, 2021 • USATODAY.COM

Former Union County, USC receiver Shi Smith drawing praise as a Carolina Panthers rookie Former Union County and South Carolina wide receiver Shi Smith is drawing praise for his performance as a rookie at Carolina Panthers traini...

AUGUST 20, 2021 • GOUPSTATE.COM

Camp Highlight: Shi Smith makes contested catch Watch Shi Smith make a strong catch at Wednesday's joint practice with Baltimore.

AUGUST 18, 2021 • PANTHERS.COM

Makes tough catch in debut Smith caught his only target for 26 yards in Sunday's 21-18 preseason loss to the Colts.

Impact Smith, Carolina's sixth-round pick this year, impressed by holding onto his lone target while taking a big hit from the opposing safety along the sideline. That play not only gave Smith a highlight from his exhibition debut, but also set the Panthers up in the red zone ahead of their only touchdown of the game. That contribution should help Smith's chances of earning the team's fifth wideout job ahead of this season.

AUGUST 16, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Head 2 Head: Jaycee Horn and Shi Smith Best friends and former teammates at South Carolina, Jaycee Horn and Shi Smith answer fun questions after practice with Kristen Balboni.

AUGUST 4, 2021 • PANTHERS.COM