Steve Smith Injury Update: Carolina Panthers Star Inactive for Week 5

October 10, 2010   ·   Andrew Leigh   ·   Jump to comments

As had been expected throughout the week, Carolina Panthers number one receiver Steve Smith is inactive for Week 5 thanks to a sprained ankle.

It's a tough break for a Panthers offense that has struggled throughout the season, and now has a rookie quarterback running the show. Jimmy Clausen will have his work cut out for him against a tough Chicago Bears defense, operating without his best receiver.

This means the Panthers will probably lean heavily on the running game, so DeAngelo Williams could see an uptick in his carries, as could second string runner Jonathan Stewart.

No indication of what Steve Smith's availability will be for Week 6 as of yet, but sprained ankles can be tricky depending on the severity.