Watch CBS News

Panthers Star Wideout Smith Dealing With Knee Injury Ahead Of Niner Matchup

CHARLOTTE, N.C.  (CBS/AP) - Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith says his injured left knee isn't coming along quite as well as he'd hoped.

Smith practiced for the second straight day Thursday on a limited basis, saying, "It didn't feel as great as I thought it'd feel." He says he "overdid it a little" in practice.

Smith estimates he's "57 percent" healthy, down from 71 percent he mentioned on Wednesday.

As for whether he'll play Sunday against the 49ers in the NFC divisional playoffs, Smith says, "I'll have to see" on Friday.

Coach Ron Rivera expressed concern, saying Smith didn't look as sharp Thursday as he normally does.

Rivera says "when you watch Steve and watch the way he does things, there's a smoothness to his movements and stuff—and it's not quite there yet."

© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.