Panthers' Chau Smith-Wade: Nabs first career interception
Rotowire
Smith-Wade recorded eight total tackles (six solo) and one interception in Sunday's 26-23 overtime loss to the Buccaneers.
Smith-Wade appeared to have lost his starting spot on Carolina's defense after playing strictly on special teams in the Panthers' two games prior to Week 13. However, the rookie cornerback from Washington State played 47 defensive snaps and delivered the best performance of his pro career in Sunday's loss, picking off Baker Mayfield in the second quarter and tying Jordan Fuller for the second-most tackles on the Panthers' defense. The 22-year-old is likely to retain his role as a starter after Sunday's performance, serving as the the team's top slot cornerback.
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Panthers' Chau Smith-Wade: Impresses in first NFL start
Rotowire
Smith-Wade recorded eight total tackles (five solo) in the Sunday's 40-7 loss to the Commanders.
Smith-Wade, a 2024 fifth-round pick out of Washington State, had played just 33 defensive snaps in five games prior to the Panthers' Week 7 loss. However, the rookie corner was thrust into Carolina's top slot corner position Sunday after the team released veteran Troy Hill Friday. Smith-Wade was one of the few bright spots on Carolina's defense, leading the team in total tackles while playing 34 defensive snaps. Expect the 22-year-old to continue serving as the Panthers' top slot corner in Week 8, when the team travels to Denver.
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Panthers' Chau Smith-Wade: Activated off PUP list
Rotowire
The Panthers activated Smith-Wade off the active/PUP list Tuesday, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.
Smith-Wade was placed on the PUP list Saturday but is now healthy once again. The rookie fifth-round pick will now look to compete for a role as a reserve defensive back.
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Panthers' Chau Smith-Wade: Added to PUP list
Rotowire
Carolina placed Smith-Wade (undisclosed) on the active/PUP list Saturday, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.
Smith-Wade's placement on the list comes as a surprise, as he was healthy for the Panthers' OTAs. The nature of the rookie fifth-round pick's injury is unclear at this time. Smith-Wade can be activated at any point during the preseason, at which time he'd be eligible to practice and play in exhibition contests.
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Panthers' Chau Smith-Wade: Depth piece in Carolina
Rotowire
The Panthers selected Smith-Wade in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, 157th overall.
Smith-Wade is likely too undersized (5-foot-10, 184 pounds) to play on the outside at the professional level, but bumping him into the slot might mask some of his lesser athletic traits (4.54 40-yard dash). A two-year starter at Washington State, Smith-Wade will be afforded every opportunity to grow into whatever role the team expects him to take, as the Panthers certainly appear top heavy at the majority of the starting secondary spots.
