Panthers extend WR Steve Smith through 2016

Apr 10, 2012

The Panthers and WR Steve L. Smith have agreed to a contract extension through 2015 with an option for one additional year in 2016, Pro Football Weekly has learned.

Although financial numbers were not immediately available, Smith was due to earn $7.75 million in 2012, and the Panthers likely will pay more than that amount, including guaranteed money up front, for this season. Smith’s deal is believed to be structured similarly to that of the one signed by WR Reggie Wayne with the Colts earlier this offseason, in terms of his guaranteed money and base salaries for the next three seasons.

Fantasy Impact:

It's funny -- less than a year ago, there were rumors that Smith wanted out, and now the Panthers have locked him up through 2015. That's the kind of impact a good QB like Cam Newton can have on an organization.

yesterday

Cowboys hope to get WR Brandin Cooks (knee) back for Week 12

Calvin Watkins on X

yesterday · 5:55 PM EST

Mike McCarthy said he's hoping Cowboys will get WR Brandin Cooks (knee) back this week.

Fantasy Impact:

Cooper Rush will get the start at QB again against the Commanders in Week 12. CeeDee Lamb led the way with 12 targets vs. the Texans, but it was Luke Schoonmaker, who took over after Jake Ferguson left with a concussion, who had 10 targets which was most behind Lamb. The addition of Cooks should help the Cowboys offense in what is a good matchup against the Commanders defense. For the fantasy world, Rush did end up throwing for 354 yards.

Cowboys will start Cooper Rush at QB in Week 12

Calvin Watkins on X

yesterday · 5:48 PM EST

Mike McCarthy said Cooper Rush "will be the starter" this week against Washington and a package of plays will be formed for Trey Lance.

Fantasy Impact:

McCarthy came out and said he regrets not giving Lance a chance to run the offense in the loss to the Texans on Monday Night, but even after that the team is going forward with Rush in Week 12 against the Commanders. One would have to assume Rush gets the start the following week as well, which is a short week and a game on Thanksgiving Day game against the Giants.

49ers TE George Kittle (hamstring) 'close' to playing in Week 11

The Athletic

yesterday · 3:18 PM EST

Shanahan said George Kittle was “close” to playing against Seattle and should be able to practice Wednesday.

Fantasy Impact:

It's at least a good sign Kittle is expected to practice Wednesday. The hope is he will be ready to go in Week 12. The 49ers play at the Packers, and it's in the later Sunday window so owners will certainly want to pay attention to what kind of work Kittle can get in this week at practice.