Chau Smith-Wade Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Panthers vs 49ers game on Monday with our National Football League injury report.Oct 12, 2025
Cleared to play Week 6
Smith-Wade (chest) is active for Sunday's game against the Cowboys, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Smith-Wade was unable to play against the Dolphins in Week 5 due to a chest injury, but he's been given the green light to play Sunday after logging full practices all week. The 2024 fifth-rounder has accumulated 10 tackles (nine solo) and a pick-six across four regular-season games.
Oct 10, 2025
Questionable after full practices
Smith-Wade (chest) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cowboys.
ANALYSIS
Smith-Wade seems more likely than not to play after logging three full practices, but he's still listed on the injury report. The nickel cornerback sat out Carolina's Week 5 win over the Dolphins due to a chest injury.
Oct 8, 2025
Past chest injury
Smith-Wade (chest) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Smith-Wade was sidelined for the Panthers' Week 5 win over the Dolphins due to a chest injury. However, his ability to practice without restriction Wednesday indicates that he should be available for Sunday's game against the Cowboys, which would revert Corey Thornton to a reserve role in the secondary. Smith-Wade has 10 tackles (nine solo) and one pick-six through four regular-season games.
Oct 3, 2025
Out for Week 5
Smith-Wade (chest) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Dolphins, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Smith-Wade didn't practice all week after sustaining a chest injury in the Panthers' Week 4 loss to the Patriots, so it's no surprise that he'll be sidelined Sunday. The second-year pro has impressed in his first season as a full-time starter, recording 10 total tackles and one pick-six through Carolina's first four games this season. While he's out in Week 5, Akayleb Evans and Corey Thornton could see increased reps with the Panthers' first-team defense.
Sep 22, 2025
First career pick-six in Week 3
Smith-Wade recorded five total tackles (all solo) and one pick-six during Sunday's 30-0 win over the Falcons.
ANALYSIS
The second-year pro from Washington State has had a great start to his first season as a full-time starter in Carolina, recording eight total tackles and one pick-six across his first three games. He's expected to remain the Panthers' top slot corner ahead of a Week 4 matchup against the Patriots.
Jun 5, 2025
Back with the team for OTAs
Smith-Wade is participating in OTAs after going on injured reserve with an illness in December.
ANALYSIS
The 2024 fifth-round pick took over the slot corner role late in the season before coming down with the illness. Smith-Wade should be in line to man the role again in 2025.
Dec 28, 2024
Placed on IR
The Panthers placed Smith-Wade (illness) on injured reserve Saturday, Darin Gantt of the team's official website reports.
ANALYSIS
With only two games left in the regular season, Carolina will err on the side of caution with Smith-Wade's illness and sit him out the remainder of the way. In his absence, the likes of Caleb Farley, Dane Jackson, Shemar Bartholomew and Akayleb Evans are candidates to fill in at the slot cornerback position.
Dec 27, 2024
Out for Week 17
Smith-Wade (illness) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bucs.
ANALYSIS
Smith-Wade has taken over as Carolina's slot corner in recent weeks and has started each of the last three games. With Jaycee Horn (wrist) listed as doubtful, the Panthers look like they'll be down two of their top three cornerbacks Sunday, leaving Michael Jackson, Dane Jackson and Caleb Farley atop the depth chart.
Dec 2, 2024
Nabs first career interception
Smith-Wade recorded eight total tackles (six solo) and one interception in Sunday's 26-23 overtime loss to the Buccaneers.
ANALYSIS
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.
Oct 21, 2024
Impresses in first NFL start
Smith-Wade recorded eight total tackles (five solo) in the Sunday's 40-7 loss to the Commanders.
ANALYSIS
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 on Oct. 18. 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.
Jul 23, 2024
Activated off PUP list
The Panthers activated Smith-Wade off the active/PUP list Tuesday, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
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.
Jul 20, 2024
Added to PUP list
Carolina placed Smith-Wade (undisclosed) on the active/PUP list Saturday, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.
ANALYSIS
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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