Steve Smith Injury Update

As we collectively let our breath out upon learning the x-rays on Panthers WR Steve Smith were negative we are still waiting for the final diagnosis. Here's the early word from Smitty's agent and HC John Fox:

However, Smith's agent, Derrick Fox, said Monday that Smith would likely miss at least two weeks and was considering an MRI exam on the injury, according to the Charlotte Observer.

"Steve has a high threshold of pain, and he's in a lot of pain, so something's off-kilter," Fox said, according to the report.

More after the jump via twitter:

daringantt#Panthers WR Steve Smith is still on campus, and is in a sling, but isn't talking -- yet. Stay tuned.

If he's still in Spartanburg and hasn't returned to Charlotte that is good news. It means he doesn't need a specialist to look at it. I do hope they perform an MRI just to check the whole thing out. We still are not out of the woods until he gets an WRI in my view.

As far as 'What now?" QB Jake Delhomme offers this encouragement:

cpanthers #JakeDelhomme on #Panthers WR #SteveSmith: "I think he'll be back there quicker than we all think.

And this:

cpanthers Delhomme noted that in the Super Bowl year ('03), he didn't have a preseason-game rep with #SteveSmith or #MuhsinMuhammad

If Smitty misses the season opener it would be the third straight year, two due to injury and one from the suspension.

@cpanthers: #DwayneJarrett on #Panthers WR #SteveSmith: "He's in good spirits. ... He's doing fine. The shoulder's getting better."

It's getting better? How about 'feeling' better? Let's hope its one of those injuries that hurts like hell but goes away quick with rest and therapy. So if your still thinking this season is sunk already due to injuries don''t go down that road just yet. Smitty will be back and at least now we don't have to worry about him getting hurt worse in a preseason game. How's that for a bright side?