Smith (knee) missed his second straight practice Thursday, but said he remains optimistic that he'll be ready to play Sunday against the Ravens, Bryan Strickland of the Panthers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

A decision on Smith's availability for Week 8 won't ultimately be up to him, but the wideout noted that his track record of rarely missing games -- even with limited practice time in advance -- gives him confidence he'll be ready to go by Sunday. With a matchup against one of his former teams on the docket, Smith probably has more incentive than usual to fight through the right knee injury and play, though he would likely be less than 100 percent healthy if he does so. The Panthers will reveal whether Smith carries an injury designation into the weekend at the conclusion of Friday's practice.

Smith (knee) didn't participate in Thursday's practice, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Charlotte Observer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith hasn't required crutches or a brace to support the right knee he injured in the Week 7 win over the Eagles, suggesting that he's not dealing with too serious of a concern. However, the wideout's absences from the first two practices of the week nonetheless casts some doubt about his availability for Sunday's game against the Ravens. The Panthers will see what Smith is able to do at their final practice session Friday before deciding on his fate for the weekend.

Smith (knee) didn't participate in practice Wednesday, Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith paid a visit to the X-ray room after Sunday's win at Philadelphia, but afterward called himself "fine," per Joe Person of The Athletic. In the meantime, Smith hasn't needed crutches to move about or even a brace on his right knee, according to Jourdan Rodrigue of The Charlotte Observer. As a result, Smith's absence may be a precautionary measure, with a decision on his upcoming availability to be made at the end of the week.

Smith will be evaluated for a knee injury Monday, Max Henson of the Panthers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith's knee started to swell up after he banged it on the ground during Sunday's 21-17 win over Philadelphia. Coach Ron Rivera believes the veteran wideout avoided any structural damage, but the injury is at least cause for enough concern to warrant further evaluation from the medical staff. Smith has come on strong the past two weeks with nine catches for 104 yards and a touchdown, after managing just seven catches for 67 yards and a score through his first four games in a Carolina uniform. An absence for Week 8 against Baltimore would free up more snaps for D.J. Moore.

Smith (leg) gathered in four of six passes for 61 yards during Sunday's 21-17 win at Philadelphia.

EDGE Analysis

All but one of his targets occurred in the second half, but the most important one came on fourth down just before the two-minute warning. With 2:06 remaining and the Panthers facing 4th-and-10 at their own 31-yard line, he reeled off a 35-yard catch-and-run to keep the game-winning drive moving. During the course of the contest, though, he was tested for a concussion but was cleared, per Max Henson of the Panthers' official site. And afterward, Smith was seen walking to the X-ray room with an evident limp, per Joe Person of The Athletic. Smith told Person in a post-game media session that he's "fine. I'm walking. ... I'm not on crutches. No boot, no anything. So I'm walking on my own two feet." While he may be OK in the long run, Smith's practice reps could be impacted once the Panthers reconvene for their first Week 8 practice Wednesday.

Smith caught all five of his targets for 43 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 23-17 loss to the Redskins.

EDGE Analysis

Smith's reception total only trailed Christian McCaffrey for the team lead, and only Devin Funchess played more snaps among Carolina's wideouts. While his yardage total was still fairly modest, Smith's three-yard touchdown brought the Panthers within a field goal during the fourth quarter. Through five games, Smith has scored twice but produced just 110 yards on 12 grabs.

Smith caught three of six targets for 19 yards in Sunday's 31-21 win over the Bengals.

EDGE Analysis

Smith was one target behind Devin Funchess' team-leading total, but the veteran wideout didn't get much going as Carolina's offense did most of its damage on the ground. Heading into the Week 4 bye, Smith hasn't exceeded three catches or 33 yards in a game, though he did find the end zone in Week 2.

Smith caught three of seven targets for 33 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 31-24 loss to the Falcons.

EDGE Analysis

Smith found room in the red zone to haul in a three-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter. He also went for a 26-yard gain on the day, and only Christian McCaffrey and Devin Funchess were targeted more. The available looks in the wake of Greg Olsen's (foot) absence could benefit Smith, but with Jarius Wright, D.J. Moore and Ian Thomas also vying for opportunities, Smith is one of a few complementary pieces in the team's passing attack.

Smith caught one of his two targets for 15 yards in Sunday's 16-8 win over the Cowboys.

EDGE Analysis

Smith was on the field for over 75 percent of Carolina's offensive snaps, trailing only Devin Funchess among wideouts. Despite that involvement, however, Smith didn't get much action in the passing game. With Greg Olsen (foot) facing an uncertain status, more targets could be available going forward, so Smith will aim to add to his workload as he continues to acclimate to new coordinator Norv Turner's scheme.

Smith got the start in Friday's preseason game against Miami, catching his only target for a 12-yard gain.

EDGE Analysis

The Panthers opened with two wide receivers and two tight ends, starting Smith, Devin Funchess, Greg Olsen and Ian Thomas. The 29-year-old wideout ended up playing just 10 snaps, as Carolina unsurprisingly allowed other receivers -- including first-round pick D.J. Moore -- to mix in with the first-team offense alongside Funchess. Though he may keep his spot as the nominal starter, Smith is likely to share snaps and targets with Moore, Jarius Wright and Curtis Samuel throughout the regular season.