Coach Dennis Allen confirmed after Friday's preseason win against the Chargers that Smith is dealing with a shoulder injury, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith paid a visit to the sideline tent in the second quarter, after which it appeared his arm was hanging looser than normal, according to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. He was unable to return, and Allen said Smith will undergo further evaluation to discover the extent of the health concern.

Smith sustained an apparent shoulder or collarbone injury during Friday's preseason game against the Chargers, Luke Johnson of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

EDGE Analysis

After a visit to the sideline tent in the second quarter, Smith was spotted walking to the locker room with his arm hanging, per Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. It's unclear if Smith will call it a night, but prior to his departure he wasn't targeted by quarterbacks Jameis Winston or Andy Dalton.

Smith has signed a two-year deal with the Saints, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Per Yates, Smith's deal to remain with the Saints carries a base value of $6 million, with the chance to earn the wideout another $4.5 million through incentives and escalators. The 26-year-old is coming off a 2021 campaign in which he caught 32 of his 50 targets for 377 yards and three TDs in 11 games. This coming season, the 2018 third-rounder is in line to compete for targets behind Michael Thomas (ankle) with the likes of Marquez Callaway (thumb) and Deonte Harris in the team's Jameis Winston-led offense. Moreover, there's a chance that New Orleans could add further wide receiver depth via free agency or the draft.

Smith recorded five receptions on seven targets for 76 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 30-20 win over the Falcons.

EDGE Analysis

Smith returned from a one-game absence to lead the Saints' receiving corps in receptions and yards. His longest gain of the day went for 34 yards on a slant over the middle of the field, which he then turned up the field for a big play. Later in the contest, Smith hauled in an acrobatic grab in the end zone from 13 yards away to tally his third touchdown of the campaign. Smith battled injuries throughout the season, which limited him to 11 games during which he produced 32 receptions, 377 yards and three touchdowns.

Smith (chest) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against Atlanta, Mike Triplett of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith missed last week's win over the Panthers but apparently isn't in danger of back-to-back absences. He was a limited practice participant Wednesday through Friday and now figures to take back his role as a starting wideout across from Marquez Callaway, with both catching passes from dual-threat QB Taysom Hill.

Smith (chest) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

One week removed from not practicing at all before being ruled out for this past Sunday's game against the Panthers, Smith has managed back-to-back capped sessions while contending with a chest injury. Friday's practice report may provide some insight into whether he's trending toward a return Sunday in Atlanta. If he is able to play, Smith would be in line for the 4.8 targets per game he averaged during nine healthy performances between Weeks 7 and 15.

Smith (chest) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

After picking up a chest injury Week 16 against the Dolphins, Smith didn't log any practice reps last Wednesday through Friday and was ruled out for this past Sunday's contest against the Panthers. His return to on-field work during the first session of Week 18 prep is a sign that he's trending in the right direction, but his activity level over the next two days will be key to determine whether game action his possible Sunday in Atlanta.

Smith (chest) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Panthers, Katherine Terrell of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith will miss his first game since being sidelined for the first six weeks of the season after injuring his hamstring in training camp. He picked up the chest injury in the first half of Monday's loss to the Dolphins and wasn't able to practice in any capacity Wednesday through Friday, so the Saints' decision to rule him out for Week 17 comes as little surprise. On a positive note for the Saints' passing attack, Deonte Harris was restored from the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday, and he appears on track to step back into a prominent role at receiver in his return from a three-game suspension.

Smith (chest) didn't practice Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

After he was estimated as a non-participant on Wednesday's injury report, Smith upheld that listing on the practice field one day later. A chest injury is to blame and may be threatening his first absence since Week 5. Friday's injury report could provide some insight into whether or not Smith is poised for his sixth DNP of the campaign.

Smith (chest) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's estimated practice report.

EDGE Analysis

One week removed from dealing with a shoulder injury, Smith is tending to a chest issue that knocked him from Monday's loss to the Dolphins. Despite logging 14 snaps on offense before his departure, he wasn't targeted in a game for the first time all season. Working on a short week, the Saints may not hold much more than a walkthrough or two before Sunday's contest against the Panthers, after which Smith's availability for Week 17 could receive some clarity.