Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette (illness) returned to practice on Thursday after an illness kept him sidelined on Wednesday. Rarely ever on the field, he has seen an uptick in his snap share in recent weeks but still has a season-high of 34% that came in Week 16. With Jonathan Mingo (foot) now on injured reserve, Smith-Marsette may see more work in Week 18 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs have given up the most pass yards this season, but in Week 13 still were able to hold quarterback Bryce Young to just 178 yards through the air. Smith-Marsette does not need to be anywhere near fantasy rosters in Week 18.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette (illness) did not participate in practice on Wednesday as his team began preparing to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 18. Smith-Marsette is dealing with an illness but will still have two more days of practice to get back on the field ahead of Sunday's game. If available on Sunday, the speedy wideout could see a larger role than usual with Jonathan Mingo (foot) placed on injured reserve earlier in the week.

Carolina Panthers kicker Eddy Pineiro did not attempt a kick in his team's 26-0 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 17 as he felt tightness in his hamstring during pre-game warmups and did not play. The veteran kicker is still dealing with tightness in his hamstring as he did not participate in practice on Wednesday as the Panthers began preparing to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the regular-season finale. Carolina signed Matthew Wright to their practice squad on Tuesday as a backup plan in case Pineiro is unable to play in Week 18. Stay tuned to Carolina's practice reports for the remainder of the week.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (back) was banged up in the Week 17 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars and entered the medical tent for a brief check-up. However, he did not miss a snap and was a full participant in the first practice leading up to Week 18. The Panthers will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are looking to clinch the NFC South on Sunday. It's good news that Young's back is fine, and he doesn't appear at risk of missing Week 18, but he should not be on the fantasy or DFS radar in the last week of the regular season. Young has failed to produce double-digit fantasy points in seven of his last eight starts. With Jonathan Mingo (foot) on Injured Reserve, he's not likely to end that trend in this spot.

Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders (illness) did not practice on Wednesday due to an illness. The 26-year-old was listed with a toe injury last week but practiced in full and played against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 17. Heading into the Week 18 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he could be at risk of missing the NFC South contest. While the Panthers have nothing left to play for this season, they are looking to upset the Buccaneers and keep them out of the playoffs. However, Sanders is far from the fantasy radar based on his body of work this season. Chuba Hubbard has more rushing yards, yards per carry, rushing touchdowns, receptions, receiving yards, and fantasy points than Sanders, who was expected to be the lead back heading into 2023.