CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith practiced Thursday for the first time in more than two weeks, increasing the chance he'll play Sunday against Tampa Bay.

Smith, who led the NFL in receiving last season, hadn't practiced since straining his right hamstring Sept. 5. While Smith remained questionable on the injury report, coach John Fox was pleased with what he saw.

``You hold your breath, but it looks like he made it through pretty good,'' Fox said. ``He looked good in the things he did on the practice field today. We'll just see how he looks and feels tomorrow.''

It appeared Smith was close to full speed and Fox said they did not limit what he could do in the workout.

``We put it on him. Nobody knows their body like themselves,'' Fox said. ``He moved around well.''

Smith wouldn't say if he'll play against the Buccaneers, saying he continues to be cautious with the injury.

``It's not anybody's call but mine. Not the fans, not the media,'' Smith said. ``It's my call, because when all is said and done, if I screw my body up they aren't going to be there.''

Smith has been injury-plagued since straining his left hamstring on the first day of training camp July 29. After missing 17 days, he returned to practice for a couple of days, then sat out another week with an ingrown toenail that required minor surgery.

After missing all four preseason games, Smith injured his right hamstring five days before the season opener against Atlanta. He sat out that game and last Sunday's loss to Minnesota.

``The biggest thing people don't understand is it's a mental thing,'' Smith said. ``It's not like I pulled one, I pulled two. When that happens, you're worried if you're going to pull it again. You have to be smart about it, or I'll be back to square one. Mentally, I have to get over the hump and physically I've got to listen to my body.''

Carolina (0-2) has scored only one touchdown and is 30th in the league in offense without Smith, who had 103 catches for 1,563 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, when he was the co-Comeback Player of the Year with New England linebacker Tedy Bruschi.

``You know what he means to our offense and the confidence of our offense,'' Fox said. ``Obviously we're a better team with him out there.''

Cornerback Ken Lucas practiced Thursday after missing Wednesday's workout with a neck injury. He remained questionable.

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