The bye week came at the right time for the Carolina Panthers.

Not only did it ensure the 0-5 team didn’t lose a game this past weekend, it gave wide receiver Steve Smith, the only weapon in the passing game, an opportunity to heal up. He has been sidelined with a high ankle sprain suffered in Week 4.

According to the Gaston Gazette, Smith had full participation in practice today and is expected to play Sunday when the San Francisco 49ers come to Charlotte, N.C.

“I love to play, but I have to be healthy,” Smith said. “I feel like I’m healthy. I’m out of the boot and I don’t have much pain so I’m able to move around. So I feel good.”

Whether or not re-promoted quarterback Matt Moore can get him the ball this Sunday remains to be seen.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune

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