Panthers’ Steve Smith points to knee during TD celebration (GIF)
By Mike Dyce
Carolina Panther wide receiver Steve Smith made his return from a knee injury late in the regular season during the NFC Divisional Round. He caught a touchdown in the first half to give the Panthers a 7-6 lead over the San Francsico 49ers.
There was some doubt about whether he’d be able to play because of his sprained knee. Smith even said it was at 71 percent.
“Felt good, 71 percent. That’s where I’m at,” Smith said, via the Charlotte Observer. “I was at 60 (percent) after Monday so today I’m 71.”
He did elaborate.
“You’re always concerned about something coming off an injury, so it’s more of a mental thing than physical. And that’s the part I have to get over, the mental aspect of it,” Smith said. “Physically, I’m fine. But just mentally every day getting better each and every day.”
After scoring that go-ahead touchdown he seemed to clear up questions about his injury. He pointed to his knee and kind of waved as if he were saying the knee is fine.
SEE ALSO: