Carolina receiver Steve Smith has a sprained PCL and won’t play this week against Atlanta, but Panthers coach Ron Rivera is optimistic Smith will return for the playoffs.
Rivera told reporters Monday that Smith, who was injured in the first quarter Sunday against New Orleans, will be evaluated week to week.
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“It was very good news considering the alternative,” Rivera said Monday. “He’s highly doubtful for this week, but it will be week-to-week. There’s a lot of good news there.”
Smith, a five-time Pro Bowler, has 64 receptions this season for 745 yards — second only to tight end Greg Olsen in both categories — and four TDs.
“He’s very optimistic,” Rivera said of Smith, 34. “I said to him, ‘Hey, it’s good news.’ And he said, ‘Well, it doesn’t feel very good right now Coach, but you know me.”
The Panthers clinched a playoff spot with their win against New Orleans on Sunday. They can clinch the NFC South with a win at Atlanta on Sunday.
Ted Ginn will likely step in for Smith and Domenik Hixon, who caught the game-winning TD pass from Cam Newton in the final minute, is also expected to see increased playing time.
Green Bay WR James Jones suffered a sprained PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) in Week 6 this season. He did not play the following two weeks, although it was reported that there was a chance he would return in Week 7.