NFL: Bad season leaves Panthers WR Smith feeling small

It would be a good idea. Only Reggie Wayne of Indianapolis and Larry Fitzgerald of Arizona have more yards receiving than Smith since 2005. But playing on mostly struggling teams, Smith's numbers have declined each year since he last made the Pro Bowl in 2008 and he's clearly frustrated.

There was a discussion in the locker room this week about players attending a Charlotte Bobcats NBA game. When a player asked Smith if he was going he shook his head.

"When I'm losing," Smith said, "I don't go out in public."

Notes: Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams (foot) missed practice again Thursday and appears likely to miss his second straight game Sunday against New Orleans. ... LB Dan Connor (hip) practiced in full after being limited Wednesday. ... Heavy rain forced the Panthers to practice on a small indoor field at the Charlotte Sports Center.