Smith optimistic about his return
Carolina Panthers09/21/2006 8:48 AM The Charlotte Observer reports he didn't practice with the team Wednesday, but Carolina Panthers WR Steve Smith did return to the practice fields. He did some running on the adjoining field while practice was going on, practicing routes. Smith, who has missed both of Carolina's games and hasn't practiced since suffering a hamstring injury Sept. 5, is listed as questionable on the team's injury report for the game Sunday at Tampa Bay. Read more