Carolina receiver Steve Smith missed the Green Bay game because of a bruised left shin but is likely to play against New Orleans on Sunday. "I think there's a much better chance (of his playing) this week than say, later in the week last week," Panthers' Coach John Fox said. Of the hip problem Smith was listed with early last week, Fox said, "He did have a hurt hip at one point, yes," without elaborating. When Smith was asked if he would be able to play, he said, "Today's Monday, so I don't know. I feel better this Monday than I did last Monday."