Panthers vs. Saints: Steve Smith Returns After Sidelined by Leg Cramps

In an anxious moment, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith was carted off the field during Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints.

The Charlotte Observer's Joe Person tweeted out this grim news. 

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Steve Smith being carted off the field to the locker room.

— Joe Person (@josephperson) September 16, 2012"

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It was pretty clear it was a leg issue, and the natural fear was that there was some kind of knee damage. Well, take a deep breath Panthers fans and fantasy league owners of Smith, because CBS Sports' Will Brinson passed along this welcomed news. 

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Officially cramps for Steve Smith as he's carted off. Not a knee injury.

— Will Brinson (@willbrinson) September 16, 2012"

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And he followed it up with even better news.

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And Steve Smith already back to the sideline. Sparse Panthers crowd gets loud.

— Will Brinson (@willbrinson) September 16, 2012"

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While cramps have a pesky way of returning once they arrive, this is all still a lot more positive outcome than what was feared when Smith was carted off the field.