Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith will miss the first few weeks of training camp because of a broken arm. Smith, under possible contract violations, decided to participate in a game of flag football and ended up on the sidelines. As he put his arm out to brace himself a sharp pain shot through his arm.

He had to undergo surgery for the injury and had a plate and screws inserted to compress the fracture and help the healing process. This is the same arm he injured at the end of last season which also resulted in surgery with a plate and screws being inserted. This new break is in a different spot so while he will miss the beginning of camp, he should be ready to go for the season opener on September 12th.

Steve Smith

Smith will immediately begin rehabilitation and is expected to make a quick and full recovery as he did not suffer any nerve damage with the break. Despite having somewhat of a “bionic” arm after all is said and done, it is very possible for Smith to come back for the 2010 season better than ever.