Smith-Wade (chest) is active for Sunday's game against the Cowboys, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith-Wade was unable to play against the Dolphins in Week 5 due to a chest injury, but he's been given the green light to play Sunday after logging full practices all week. The 2024 fifth-rounder has accumulated 10 tackles (nine solo) and a pick-six across four regular-season games.

Smith-Wade (chest) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cowboys.

EDGE Analysis

Smith-Wade seems more likely than not to play after logging three full practices, but he's still listed on the injury report. The nickel cornerback sat out Carolina's Week 5 win over the Dolphins due to a chest injury.

Smith-Wade (chest) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

Smith-Wade was sidelined for the Panthers' Week 5 win over the Dolphins due to a chest injury. However, his ability to practice without restriction Wednesday indicates that he should be available for Sunday's game against the Cowboys, which would revert Corey Thornton to a reserve role in the secondary. Smith-Wade has 10 tackles (nine solo) and one pick-six through four regular-season games.

Smith-Wade (chest) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Dolphins, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith-Wade didn't practice all week after sustaining a chest injury in the Panthers' Week 4 loss to the Patriots, so it's no surprise that he'll be sidelined Sunday. The second-year pro has impressed in his first season as a full-time starter, recording 10 total tackles and one pick-six through Carolina's first four games this season. While he's out in Week 5, Akayleb Evans and Corey Thornton could see increased reps with the Panthers' first-team defense.

Smith-Wade recorded five total tackles (all solo) and one pick-six during Sunday's 30-0 win over the Falcons.

EDGE Analysis

The second-year pro from Washington State has had a great start to his first season as a full-time starter in Carolina, recording eight total tackles and one pick-six across his first three games. He's expected to remain the Panthers' top slot corner ahead of a Week 4 matchup against the Patriots.

Smith-Wade is participating in OTAs after going on injured reserve with an illness in December.

EDGE Analysis

The 2024 fifth-round pick took over the slot corner role late in the season before coming down with the illness. Smith-Wade should be in line to man the role again in 2025.

The Panthers placed Smith-Wade (illness) on injured reserve Saturday, Darin Gantt of the team's official website reports.

EDGE Analysis

With only two games left in the regular season, Carolina will err on the side of caution with Smith-Wade's illness and sit him out the remainder of the way. In his absence, the likes of Caleb Farley, Dane Jackson, Shemar Bartholomew and Akayleb Evans are candidates to fill in at the slot cornerback position.

Smith-Wade (illness) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bucs.

EDGE Analysis

Smith-Wade has taken over as Carolina's slot corner in recent weeks and has started each of the last three games. With Jaycee Horn (wrist) listed as doubtful, the Panthers look like they'll be down two of their top three cornerbacks Sunday, leaving Michael Jackson, Dane Jackson and Caleb Farley atop the depth chart.

Smith-Wade recorded eight total tackles (six solo) and one interception in Sunday's 26-23 overtime loss to the Buccaneers.

EDGE Analysis

Smith-Wade appeared to have lost his starting spot on Carolina's defense after playing strictly on special teams in the Panthers' two games prior to Week 13. However, the rookie cornerback from Washington State played 47 defensive snaps and delivered the best performance of his pro career in Sunday's loss, picking off Baker Mayfield in the second quarter and tying Jordan Fuller for the second-most tackles on the Panthers' defense. The 22-year-old is likely to retain his role as a starter after Sunday's performance, serving as the the team's top slot cornerback.

Smith-Wade recorded eight total tackles (five solo) in the Sunday's 40-7 loss to the Commanders.

EDGE Analysis

Smith-Wade, a 2024 fifth-round pick out of Washington State, had played just 33 defensive snaps in five games prior to the Panthers' Week 7 loss. However, the rookie corner was thrust into Carolina's top slot corner position Sunday after the team released veteran Troy Hill on Oct. 18. Smith-Wade was one of the few bright spots on Carolina's defense, leading the team in total tackles while playing 34 defensive snaps. Expect the 22-year-old to continue serving as the Panthers' top slot corner in Week 8, when the team travels to Denver.