Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) -- Carolina Panthers All-Pro receiver Steve Smith was carted off the field Saturday with a hamstring injury on the opening day of training camp.
Midway through the afternoon session, Smith pulled up while running a long route down the left sideline. He immediately clutched his left hamstring, took a couple of steps and fell to the ground.
Two trainers came to his side, and new teammate Keyshawn Johnson also came over to check on Smith, who slowly got to his feet after about a minute. He threw his gloves in anger, got onto the back of the cart and was brought inside.
"It seems like he probably strained it," Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said. "He's done this before in training camp."
Smith, who led the NFL with 103 receptions for 1,563 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, missed the final week of June's coaching sessions with hamstring pain.
Panthers defensive tackle Kris Jenkins, who is returning from a knee injury, had back spasms following the morning workout.
Jenkins, who missed all but five games in the past two seasons with knee injuries, walked gingerly to the locker room after the workout. He attempted to practice early in the afternoon session, but ended up riding a stationary bike.
"He made a move and took a hand in the muscle and suffered spasms," Hurney said.
Also Saturday, the Panthers released reserve defensive end Otis Leverette after he failed a physical due to illness.
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APTV-07-29-06 1537MDT
