Steve Smith ready to chill

Panthers WR Steve Smith wants coach John Fox to end camp a week early. "August 15th," Smith said. "Coach Fox said that there's a crack in the door, that if we work hard, we might end camp on August 15th. That's why guys are grinding really hard down here." The Gaston Gazette reports the Panthers are scheduled to stay at camp in Spartanburg (SC) until Aug. 22. The Gazette seems to agree with Smith's plea. "Still, the Aug. 15 date makes some logistical sense. The Panthers fly the next day to Philadelphia for an Aug. 17 exhibition. They're scheduled to return to Spartanburg for practice on Aug. 19. But, if Smith gets his wish, that practice just might be in Charlotte."

Ravens WR Steve Smith announced his retirement via Twitter on Friday. The 37-year-old finishes his 16-season career with 1,031 catches, 14,731 yards and 81 TDs. Those marks rank 12th, 7th and 26th, respectively, in NFL history. Smith turned in 9 top-20 fantasy campaigns, including a #1 finish in 2005. His departure opens up a big opportunity for WR Breshad Perriman in 2017.

Ravens WR Steve Smith (thigh) is active for today's game against the Steelers. He entered the weekend questionable but should be fine to use as you had planned in fantasy football lineups. Pittsburgh has tightened up in coverage, but volume and game flow should help Smith's fantasy outlook in this one.

Ravens WR Steve Smith (ankle) is active for today’s game against the Steelers. He put in a full practice on Friday, so we’re expecting him to play something at least close to his usual role today. Smith averaged 9.3 targets over his 4 full games to open the season.

NFL Network Ian Rapoport confirms that Ravens WR Steve Smith (ankle) is expected to play against the Steelers today. That was the feeling since he put in a full practice on Friday. There's some risk in a 37-year-old coming off a 3-week absence. But Smith averaged 9.3 targets, 6 catches and 70.3 yards in his 4 full games, so he's worth getting back into fantasy lineups in most cases.

Ravens WR Steve Smith (ankle) is listed as questionable for this weekend's game against the Steelers. He put in a limited practice on Thursday and a full workout on Friday, so it looks like he'll return after missing the past 3 weeks. Smith averaged 9.3 targets, 6 catches and 70.3 yards in his 4 full games to open the season. His return puts a sizable dent in WR Mike Wallace's target projection.