Carolina Panthers release Friday injury report, list WR Shi Smith as questionable

The Carolina Panthers released the Friday injury report ahead of their game against the New York Giants, and a new name emerging on the field emerged on the report: wide receiver Shi Smith is listed as questionable with a groin injury.

Smith is expected to fill in returning punts for the injured Andre Roberts, in addition to his role as a wideout, if he can play. He caught one of three targets for 12 yards in the Panthers’ Week 1 loss to the Cleveland Browns.

That still seems like a possibility. Panthers team writer Darin Gantt added on Twitter that head coach Matt Rhule thinks Smith is “on the positive side of questionable.” If Smith can’t go, either Laviska Shenault Jr. or D.J. Moore would be in line to return kicks and punts, accord to Gantt.

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Additionally, linebacker Brandon Smith was a non-participant in Friday’s practice after being limited on Wednesday and Thursday. He is listed as doubtful for Sunday.

The rest of the Panthers’ players on the report — Taylor Moton, Frankie Luvu and Maquis Haynes — are healthy and set to go on Sunday.

The Giants Friday injury report is not yet available, though 10 players were listed on the Thursday report: Nick McCloud (hamstring), Aaron Robinson (appendicitis), Wan’Dale Robinson (knee), Jon Feliciano (lower leg), Azeez Ojulari (calf), Jason Pinnock (shoulder), Kayvon Thibodeaux (knee), Dane Belton (calvicle), Devery Hamilton (illness), Kadarius Toney (hamstring).

Nine were either limited participants or did not practice. Belton has been a full participant.

The Giants and Panthers kick off at 1 p.m. on Sunday, so we’ll know by that morning just how short handed each of these teams will be for their Week 2 contest.

Panthers Friday injury report

Full participant: Moton (knee), Luvu (shoulder), Haynes (hip)

Limited participant: None

Did not practice: Brandon Smith (thigh), Shi Smith (groin)