Smith suffers broken arm

[E CaT PanTHer]

that's unfortunate

Posted Dec. 27, 2009 @ 3:07 p.m.

By Eric Edholm

Panthers WR Steve Smith suffered a broken arm in the third quarter against the Giants on Sunday, PFW has learned.

Smith caught a 27-yard TD pass from Matt Moore to give the Panthers a 31-0 lead. On the play, Smith took a big hit from Giants S Michael Johnson right on his left forearm but kept his balance and ran into the end zone.

Sources told PFW that Smith will need a plate and screws inserted to his arm but that it is not considered a major injury. He will have surgery Monday and likely will have to wear a cast for about 10 days, it is believed.

Smith sits 18 yards short of his fifth straight 1,000-yard season. His status is not known for Sunday's finale against the Saints, but one source told PFW that "if they will let him suit up, Steve will want to play."