Smith has been signed to the Panthers' active roster. Smith was previously on the Panthers' practice squad, but has been promoted to the 53-man roster in wake of numerous injuries endured by Carolina during Week 3. Most notably, linebacker Thomas Davis went down with an undisclosed injury, so Smith's addition at linebacker could hint toward Davis being limited moving forward. After playing 16 games as a rookie in 2011, injuries have restricted Smith himself to just seven appearances over the past two seasons.

Panthers signed ILB D.J. Smith, WR Toney Clemons, G Derek Dennis, T Oscar Johnson, CB De'Quan Menzie, and T Casey Walker to reserve/future contracts. Smith is the most interesting prospect as a former Packers starter who recently has been plagued by knee problems. Still only 25 -- he turns in February -- Smith should get a long look for a 2014 roster spot if healthy.

Texans signed ILB D.J. Smith. Smith was cut by the Chargers ahead of Week 1 and has been on the street ever since. The 24-year-old has a history of knee problems. The Texans are banged up at inside 'backer, with Joe Mays and Darryl Sharpton battling injuries.

Chargers waived ILB D.J. Smith. Smith has a troubling history of knee problems, which may have sapped his explosion and first-step quickness. He'll likely pass through waivers unclaimed.

Updating a previous item, the Chargers signed ILB D.J. Smith (ACL surgery) to a two-year contract worth $1.07 million. He got a $103,152 signing bonus. It was previously reported that San Diego claimed Smith off waivers, but he actually signed a brand-new contract. Smith may have to open the season on PUP, but he's showed well enough in past opportunities that he could eventually contribute as a nickel 'backer or starter.

Chargers claimed ILB D.J. Smith off waivers from the Packers. Nice pickup for rookie GM Tom Telesco. Smith, 24, has performed solidly and even flashed some playmaking ability (five PBUs, one INT, two sacks) across nine career starts while playing as an every-down inside 'backer in Green Bay's 3-4. The Packers cut him due to a failed physical after suffering a major injury last October. Even if Smith doesn't contribute in 2013, the Chargers could stash him on PUP or I.R. and have a good player for cheap in 2014.

Packers waived ILB D.J. Smith. Smith suffered a major knee injury last October -- said to be at least a torn ACL, and wasn't expected to be ready by training camp. The Packers will move forward with Brad Jones, Rob Francois, and Terrell Manning behind Desmond Bishop and A.J. Hawk. Smith could still generate some interest on waivers. He just turned 24 years old and has held his own in nine career starts.

According to the Green Bay Press-Gazette, Packers ILB D.J. Smith (knee surgery) will be "hard pressed" to return by training camp. Smith "possibly" won't be ready for Week 1, either. Hence Green Bay's aggressiveness to re-sign Brad Jones and Rob Francois, each of whom is being given a chance to compete with A.J. Hawk for the starting job next to Desmond Bishop. Smith's October knee injury was believed to be at least a torn ACL.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy confirmed Monday that ILB D.J. Smith is done for the season with a knee inury. It's believed to be an ACL tear. Smith is under contract cheaply through the 2014 season and shouldn't struggle to make the 2013 53-man roster, but his loss will be felt on the heels of Desmond Bishop's year-ending hamstring tear. The Packers figure to turn to converted OLB Brad Jones next to A.J. Hawk. Green Bay is unlikely to field an imposing run defense in the season's second half.

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that the Packers fear ILB D.J. Smith tore his ACL in Sunday night's Week 6 win over Houston. An every-down player in Green Bay's defense, Smith was filling the old Desmond Bishop role inside next to A.J. Hawk. Used extensively in both run defense and pass coverage, Smith is perhaps the most underrated defender the Packers have. Green Bay is also trying to nurse back NT B.J. Raji from an ankle injury, so a year-ending ailment for Smith would really thwart the up-the-middle defense.