Shi Smith ‘comfortable,’ growing into role with Panthers

COURTESY CAROLINA PANTHERS

Shi Smith is fighting for a spot on the Carolina Panthers' opening day roster by making the most of his opportunities to make plays in preseason games.

Carolina Panthers slot receiver and Shi Smith was caught in an awkward situation.

Backup quarterback Andy Dalton delivered a pass high and wide that Smith snared for a 4-yard gain but was left vulnerable. Detroit Lions defensive back and Rock Hill, S.C., native Steven Gilmore took advantage with a big sideline hit.

Smith, a Union, S.C., native, wasn’t fazed.

“It wasn’t even a pop,” Smith said after the Panthers’ 26-17 loss in the preseason finale. “It wasn’t hard. He just got a good lick on me when I wasn’t looking.”
While Smith said he only faced Gilmore once during their South Carolina prep careers, the two are familiar with each other. Both share a bond of being fringe players fighting to survive Tuesday’s NFL cut day.

“I feel comfortable,” Smith said. “I just go out and give it my all and let the coaches decide.”

Friday’s performance was the final audition for several fringe players. While roster cuts could start as soon as Saturday, the Panthers need to sever ties with 37 players by Tuesday.
“It’s hard,” coach Frank Reich said Wednesday. “You know it’s a business on one hand and players know that, but it’s never easy.”

Smith, who appeared in the first seven offensive series Friday, is making it hard for the Panthers to let him go. He has done something in each outing.

Smith finished with two tough catches for nine yards against the Lions. He was targeted five times for the second straight game.

Taking advantage of his second-half stint last week against the New York Giants, Smith caught four passes for 59 yards.

In the preseason-opening loss to the visiting New York Jets, Smith’s 20-yard reception was more than 10% of the Panthers’ total production.

“Shi’s done a nice job,” Reich said. “Shi’s made plays. Happy with the progress he’s made.”

Last season, Smith started earning the trust of the former coaching staff by listening to veterans, focusing more on the playbook and adapting to a new conditioning regime. In other words, he was learning to be a pro after enduring legal trouble.

Arrested near Union, S.C., in March 2022, Smith was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, unlawful carrying of a handgun and speeding. He entered a diversion program in connection with the weapon and drug charges.

“Everything is straight,” Smith said Friday. “Wrong spot at the wrong time. I learned from it. It’s past me. I’m ready just to go forward.”
Through the offseason and training camp, Smith continued to build on his experience, but will it be enough?

Depleted receievers room

The wide receiver room ended preseason a bit bare. Damiere Byrd (groin), D.J. Chark (hamstring), Terrace Marshall Jr. (back) and Laviska Shenault Jr. (concussion protocol) were all held out Friday.

Reich isn’t worried. At least not too much.

“You have a ding here, a ding there,” he said. “I don’t overreact.”

Maybe not, but Reich certainly felt a bit nervous when Adam Thielen remained on the turf after an 8-yard reception in the first quarter. Thielen, who had his wind knocked out, returned a few plays later.

While Thielen was out, Smith got the call.

“It speaks to the depth we have in the receivers room,” said rookie quarterback Bryce Young said, who tossed his first touchdown pass, a 16-yarder to Thielen.

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