Panthers' Steve Smith expected to play Sunday

One aspect of the Carolina Panthers' passing game will actually matter this week. Wide receiver Steve Smith @89SteveSmith, who has not played since Oct. 3 when he suffered a high ankle sprain against the New Orleans Saints. But he practiced in full Wednesday and is expected to be ready to go up against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. "I feel like I'm healthy," Smith said. I'm out of the boot and I don't have much pain so I'm able to move around. So I feel good." When Smith returns, he'll see a familiar quarterback under center: Matt Moore @mattmoore_8. Smith's numbers are down this year as opposed to previous seasons -- he has 13 catches in four games, 174 yards and two touchdowns. But most of that production came with Moore at QB in weeks one and two. Moore, who has been put back into the starting lineup for week seven, delivered eight of those 13 passes, both touchdowns and 141 yards.

Fantasy Analysis:

Moore was perhaps the worst starting quarterback on the field in the first two weeks. But at least he got the ball to Smith with some consistency, including those valuable TDs. The Niners have allowed nine passing touchdowns this season, so the matchup is pretty decent for Smith. Since he seems to be relatively healthy, I would consider him a top-25 WR this week.

Source:
Charlotte Observer