Smith to play against Giants? 'I won't say'

SPARTANBURG -- Panthers receiver Steve Smith talked with reporters after he practiced on a limited basis Friday, the first time he'd been in pads since hurting his right shoulder on Monday.

Smith was asked if he'd be ready to play in the team's first exhibition next Monday against the New York Giants.

"I know," Smith said, "but I won't say. And nobody's told me not to say anything."

Smith said the injury is a "'pretty good bone bruise" that gave him a good scare when it happened.

"In camp a lot of things happen because your body's beat up and you're tired. You're hesitant (about coming back), because you don't want anything to hamstring you going into the season or end your career."

Smith said the pain has become more bearable as the days have gone by.

"It doesn't hurt as much now," he said. "Sleep was kind of diffcult, but I wouldn't say I woke up and said, 'I'm healed.' "

Smith participated in light drills early in Friday morning's practice, but was held out of contact drills later. He tried to get into one of them, but was called back by coach John Fox.

"I was out there, but coach told me to go to the sideline," Smith said. "I went back and I think I shocked him because I was putting my mouthpiece back in. He said, 'Did you hear me?' and I said, 'I'm not going to debate you.' " -- David Scott 

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