Charlotte, NC (My Sportsbook) - The Carolina Panthers have suspended wide receiver Steve Smith for fighting with a teammate. Smith, the team's leading receiver, was suspended for fighting with Anthony Bright during a team meeting. According to head coach John Fox, the altercation took place during Monday's team meeting. Smith will miss Sunday's game against division foe Atlanta. Smith leads the team with 36 catches and 534 yards receiving. He also has scored two touchdowns. He also leads the team in kick and punt return yards. He has returned 18 kickoffs for 421 yards and has returned 40 punts for 194 yards. Karl Hankton will start at wide receiver in place of Smith. "It is no more disappointing than anybody else, whether it be by injury or suspension," said Panthers head coach John Fox. "But we have got capable people, and I expect us to be very competitive this Sunday." The Panthers have signed wide receiver Nate Jacquet. He will return kicks in place of Smith this week. Jacquet has been with three teams since being drafted by Indianapolis in 1997. He has career kickoff return average of 22.0 yards on 59 returns. Carolina also inked Robert Johnson to the practice squad and released linebacker Kenny Jackson from the practice squad. |
