Steve Smith is hoping to play in at least one preseason game.
The Carolina Panthers are hoping that Steve Smith will be able to return by the preseason finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 2.
The Pathers’ top receiver has been working with trainers in Carolina to perhaps speed up the typical two-month healing process required with that type of injury according to Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network.
If he is unable to play in the preseason finale, he is nearly a lock for the regular season opener on Sept. 12 against the New York Giants.
Smith broke his left arm for the second time in seven months playing flag football this offseason. He got a little bit of guff for trying to keep reports of the fracture out of the media.
There is little doubt that the team’s young quarterbacks will benefit from his experience. Matt Moore, the starter, is 25-years-old and has just eight starts in his NFL career. Rookie quarterbacks Jimmy Clausen and Tony Pike back him up.
