Panthers Receiver Smith Breaks Arm Playing Flag Football

Charlotte, NC, United States (AHN) – Carolina Panthers star wide receiver Steve Smith could miss most of training camp after breaking his left arm while playing flag football this past weekend.

On Sunday, the 31-year-old Smith, the Panthers all-time leader in touchdowns with 52, underwent surgery to have a plate inserted in his arm to help the healing process.

It will mark the second time in six months that the three-time All-Pro injured the same arm.

Late last season, he broke a bone during a 41-9 victory over the Giants near the area of the latest injury.

Smith sustained the latest fracture during a flag football at his annual youth camp Saturday.

Smith’s agent, Derrick Fox, said the four-time Pro Bowl selection should miss the start of training camp, but should be available for the season opener against the Giants on Sept. 12, Charlotte Observer.com reported.

Smith, who also ranks first in Panthers’ history with 32 games of 100 or more yards receiving, led the NFL in catches, yards receiving and TD catches in 2005.

Last year, the former Utah standout caught 65 passes for 982 yards.

He also had seven touchdowns in 15 contests for the Panthers, who picked him in the third round of the 2001 NFL Draft.

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