Steve Smith Returns to Practice (1 Viewer)

[grouse]

"The biggest thing people don't understand is it's a mental thing," Smith said. "It's not like I pulled one, I pulled two. When that happens, you're worried if you're going to pull it again. You have to be smart about it, or I'll be back to square one. Mentally, I have to get over the hump and physically I've got to listen to my body."

The question is, how long will it take Steve Smith to forget about his hamstrings and just focus on playing ball. Will that take one play, one quarter, one half, one game or more? Nobody knows the answer to that, and quite likely, neither does Steve Smith. Whenever that clicks for him, he'll be back to being the same gamebreaker he was before. My gut feeling tells me it won't take Smith long to get into the flow, maybe just a couple of series. The entire team is going to be jacked to have Smith in the lineup, and I think he'll feed off of it and have a big game.

 

[maninthebox]

To be honest I would rather have him sit out another week just to make sure he is ready. I had Moss a few years ago when he kept trying to come back from his bad hammy. Made him just about useless since he aggrivated it every time. I'd rather live without him for one more week than lose him for more games throughout rest of the season.

 

[taa455]

To be honest I would rather have him sit out another week just to make sure he is ready. I had Moss a few years ago when he kept trying to come back from his bad hammy. Made him just about useless since he aggrivated it every time. I'd rather live without him for one more week than lose him for more games throughout rest of the season.

I feel the same way, but if he does decide to play I will have him in my lineup.

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

To be honest I would rather have him sit out another week just to make sure he is ready.

He did sit out an additional week -- Week 2. Given that Smith had apparently stated that he wouldn't return to play unless he's 100%, he obviously is sure that he is ready to go this weekend.I agree with grouse that it may take a few series to knock some mental rust off and get up to speed with the game. But once he catches a few balls and makes a few cuts, any hammy hesitancy he feels will be forgotten as he and the rest of the Panthers try to pull off a must-win game.Unless you have superb other options, I don't see how you can sit him if he's a go.

 

[Football Jones]

If I actually knew what he went to the specialist for, I'd feel more comfortable. We can speculate it was to get affirmation he's ready to go, but it could just be as likely he simply went to get a second opinion (in general).

Maybe he's just getting desperate to help his team & is going to try to play & see what happens. I know he said he wouldn't play until he's 100%, but those plans can go out the window when your team starts 0-2.

I'm heavily invested in Smith in both my dynasty leagues & redrafts. I'm cautiously optimistic.

 

[Keys Myaths]

Thank God, and earlier than I expected.

 

[Hue G]

To be honest I would rather have him sit out another week just to make sure he is ready.

He did sit out an additional week -- Week 2. Given that Smith had apparently stated that he wouldn't return to play unless he's 100%, he obviously is sure that he is ready to go this weekend.

How sure can he be? No one has said that he's playing yet.

 

[JAA]

Is he practicing today?

 

[Keys Myaths]

Is he practicing today?

When would we know? Seems a little early to tell.

 

[lod2005]

Let's not rush this guy in there people. They won't need him anyway to beat the hapless Bucs. As long as this guy is out of the lineup, the guy with him loses and his 2007 1st round pick keeps getting better (I own it.)

 

[Keys Myaths]

Yep, they should definitely sit Smith now. LOD's fantasy team depends on it.

 

[Limp Ditka]

Yep, they should definitely sit Smith now. LOD's fantasy team depends on it.

pssst, you read that backwards.

 

[Keys Myaths]

Yep, they should definitely sit Smith now. LOD's fantasy team depends on it.

pssst, you read that backwards.

Read what backwards?

 

[Hue G]

FWIW this was posted on the Panthers message board.

Well if hes practicing today, hes more than likely playing on Sunday. *Keeping fingers crossed*

EDIT: Well i just read that he practiced today again, and looked good...no ill effects from the hammy. Fox says hes a game time decision.

__________________

http://www.panthershuddle.com/forum/caroli...s-practice.html

 

[The Swarm]

From KFFL:

Panthers | Smith practices, likely game-time decision for Week 3

Fri, 22 Sep 2006 10:48:42 -0700

The Associated Press reports Carolina Panthers WR Steve Smith (hamstring) practiced for the second consecutive day Friday, Sept. 22, and will likely be a game-time decision for Week 3. "He looked good," said coach John Fox.

 

[The Swarm]

Wow, your edit didn't show up until I posted. Weird.

 

[cbrepresent]

if he's in uniform on sunday he is starting for me. welcome back steve!

 

[pantherman]

Great news. Do you guys think he will be a force if he plays this weekend, or more of a decoy?

No, I don't think the Panthers would use him as a decoy. They won't put him on the field unless he feels good and can play. Also with the injuries they have with other players, if Smith isn't healthy enough to play, it seems they would make him inactive, and use his roster spot for depth in the game at whatever position might need it.

I have had an interest in Smith for years and they have used him as a decoy. He is on my Dynasty team and I have great reserves about starting him because of the past history.

 

[gbill2004]

Steve Smith has been upgraded to probable on the injury report.

 

[brednbuddah]

Steve Smith has been upgraded to probable on the injury report.

 

[meanjoegreen]

I have had an interest in Smith for years and they have used him as a decoy. He is on my Dynasty team and I have great reserves about starting him because of the past history.

When have they used him as only a decoy? He wasn't injured last year. The year before that he missed the whole season with a broken leg. In 2003 when did they use him as only a decoy?

 

[brednbuddah]

Steve Smith has been upgraded to probable on the injury report.

dude, all I see is questionable.espn

 

[gbill2004]

Steve Smith has been upgraded to probable on the injury report.

Nevermind - my bad - I was thinking Rod Smith - Rod was upgraded to probable. Sorry. Steve is still questionable.

 

[brednbuddah]

Steve Smith has been upgraded to probable on the injury report.

Nevermind - my bad - I was thinking Rod Smith - Rod was upgraded to probable. Sorry. Steve is still questionable.

that wasn't cool... (no worries, mate)

 

[Stingdiddy]

Any news on Steve Smith today?