Smith (shoulder) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Panthers.
The tight end has been managing a shoulder issue of late, but he'll continue to work though it Sunday. In last week's win over the Chargers, Smith logged 49 of a possible Patriots' 77 snaps on offense, while catching both of his targets for 13 yards. Given that he continues to work in a timeshare with Hunter Henry (50 snaps in Week 8), Smith remains a hit-or-miss fantasy option.