Panthers WR Steve Smith expected to practice Wednesday

Dec 22, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) is helped up after being injured during the first quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith suffered a sprained PCL in Week 16 against the New Orleans Saints, which forced him to miss the regular season finale. There was also some concern about whether or not Smith would be able to suit up for the Panthers in their postseason game this weekend, but it appears that the team’s bye week has helped him out.

Smith has stated that he fully expects to play on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers and he will be testing out his knee on Wednesday when the team takes the practice field.

While he will not yet be practicing in full, it is a positive sign that he will be able to go through drills on a limited basis.

There is now little doubt that Smith will be suiting up when the team takes the field against the 49ers in the divisional round of the playoffs. The only question is just how big of an impact he will be able to make.

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