Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said he hopes WR Steve Smith (knee) will be available to play if the team has a playoff game next week.

Footballguys View: The Panthers don’t have a high-powered passing game anyway, and Smith isn’t the same player he used to be. His injury will open the door for guys like Domenik Hixon and Ted Ginn to do more. Brandon LaFell is the primary wide receiver with Smith out.
Panthers | Hope Steve Smith will be ready for playoffs