Panthers injury update: WR Shi Smith will miss time, but ‘not too long’

The scene wasn’t pretty for Carolina Panthers receiver Shi Smith when he left Friday night’s preseason finale with a shoulder injury. Luckily, that injury isn’t as ugly as the initial mood let on.

Head coach Matt Rhule spoke on Saturday afternoon and said the team does expect the rookie wideout to miss some time, but “not too long, hopefully.”

Matt Rhule says WR Shi Smith will miss some time, but “not too long, hopefully.”

— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) August 28, 2021

Smith left the game early in the fourth quarter after falling on his left side. He reeled in a catch, turned upfield and landed directly on the shoulder upon having his legs swept from under him on a tackle.

Trainers and teammates tended to Smith, who was visibly very much in pain while being evaluated. He was taken to the blue tent and carted off into the locker room to end his night.

The 2021 sixth-rounder was having himself one heck of a preseason. In addition to impressing in training camp, Smith totaled 82 yards on five receptions over the three exhibition contests.

Although the injury may keep him off the initial 53-man roster, Smith should figure into Carolina’s plans at some point in 2021 when he returns to full health.