Smith caught one of his two targets for a 19-yard gain during Sunday's 24-10 loss to the Falcons.

EDGE Analysis

Smith missed a month of the season with a knee injury, but still went three straight games without a catch before Sunday's 19-yarder. The Panthers' attack is hard to read now with Taylor Heinicke taking over for Cam Newton, who has been shut down for the season. Heinicke actually managed to put up 274 passing yards in his first start, 93 of them on quick passes to the backs, but he, Smith, and the rest of Carolina's attack have a tougher test next Sunday against a hot Saints defense that held the Panthers to nine points in Week 15.

Smith played just two snaps and was not targeted in Sunday's 26-20 loss to the Browns.

EDGE Analysis

Smith overcame his knee injury to be active Sunday, but he still hardly got to see the field. While his role has shrunk over the course of the campaign, evidenced by three straight games without a catch, the extra day before Week 15's Monday night meeting against the Saints could do the veteran's knee some good.

Smith (knee) was listed as a full participant at Thursday's practice, Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

After missing Weeks 8 through 11 while battling the knee issue, Smith has dressed for the last two contests but hasn't drawn a single target while playing a combined 22 offensive snaps. It would appear that Smith is setback-free coming out of those games, but the veteran seems unlikely to see his role expand much over the final quarter of the season with youngsters D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel proving themselves worthy of increased responsibility in the Carolina passing game.

Smith (knee) was limited at Wednesday's practice, Bryan Strickland of the Panthers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Playing just 22 offensive snaps the last two games without being targeted, Smith has clearly taken a back seat within the Panthers offense. Based on the workloads of fellow wideouts this past Sunday, D.J. Moore (66 of 70 snaps on offense), Curtis Samuel (58), Jarius Wright (39) and Devin Funchess (32) are all ahead of Smith in the pecking order. A lingering knee injury isn't helping Smith's cause, but he appears to be on the outside looking in for reps.

Smith was not targeted in Sunday's 24-17 loss to the Buccaneers.

EDGE Analysis

Smith played just nine of Carolina's 70 offensive snaps as the team welcomed Devin Funchess back to the fold. While Smith carried a knee injury during the week, his ability to practice in full last Thursday suggests he wasn't limited from a health standpoint Sunday. Nonetheless, with a reception in just five games this season, it's not like Smith is a reliable fantasy commodity anyway.

Smith (knee) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith's lack of restrictions offer credence to the notion that his limitations Wednesday were likely maintenance-related after he returned from a four-game absence due to play 13 offensive snaps in Sunday's 30-27 loss to the Seahawks. The wideout should be ready to handle a larger workload in Week 13 in Tampa Bay, but it's uncertain if he'll be needed for extended snaps. No. 1 wideout Devin Funchess (back) returned to practice as a limited participant Thursday and could be ready to go after a one-game hiatus, while youngsters D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel have both made cases for enhanced roles of their own. It therefore wouldn't be surprising if Smith ranked fourth or fifth among the Carolina receivers in snap share this weekend.

Smith (knee) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith returned from a four-game absence for Sunday's 30-27 loss to the Seahawks, playing just 13 snaps and failing to draw a target despite getting the start. His knee injury may have been less of a factor than the emergence of D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel (hamstring), the latter of whom didn't practice Wednesday. With Devin Funchess (back) still absent from practice and Damiere Byrd (arm) placed on injured reserve, Moore and Jarius Wright are only healthy wideouts in Carolina. There is some opportunity for Smith to handle a larger role in a favorable matchup Week 13 at Tampa Bay.

Smith (knee) started and played 13 of the Panthers' 59 offensive snaps (22 percent) in the team's 30-27 loss to the Seahawks. He wasn't targeted during his time on the field.

EDGE Analysis

Since Smith has barely practiced over the past month while managing the knee issue, it's not surprising his play count was restricted in his return from a four-game absence. Smith should have fewer limitations heading into the Week 13 matchup with the Buccaneers, but it's tough to bank on the veteran noticing dramatic spike in targets, especially if No. 1 wideout Devin Funchess (back) is cleared to play. While Smith was sidelined, both D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel made compelling cases for enhanced roles at receiver and the youngsters both outshone Smith in the Week 12 loss.

Smith (knee) and D.J. Moore will serve as the Panthers' starting wide receivers in Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Devin Funchess (back) sidelined this week, the Panthers won't be forced to make a tough decision between Smith and Moore for the other starting gig. However, with Smith coming off a four-game absence, he'll likely be subject to a limited workload, with Bill Voth of the Panthers' official site estimating the veteran will earn about 12 snaps. That caps Smith's fantasy upside in Week 12, with Moore and Curtis Samuel both representing higher-percentage plays among the Carolina wideouts.

Smith (knee) is listed as active Sunday versus the Seahawks, Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Although Smith is available for the first time since Week 7, this may be more of a test run to see if the veteran wide receiver can hold up. Bill Voth of the Panthers' official site predicts a small workload in the vicinity of 12 offensive snaps, which seems minimal with Devin Funchess (back) inactive. That said, the Panthers likely are confident the quartet of D.J. Moore, Christian McCaffrey, Greg Olsen and Curtis Samuel can maintain a suitable passing attack.