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Panthers general manager Marty Hurney didn't return a phone message seeking comment, but did release a statement.
"Steve talked to me and he feels terrible about it," Hurney said. "Now his focus is on rehabilitating process and getting back as quickly as he can."
The 31-year-old Smith ranks first in team history with 58 touchdowns and 32 games of 100 or more yards receiving. Smith, who led the NFL in catches, yards receiving and touchdown catches in 2005, had 65 catches for 982 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games last season.
His absence from the start of camp on July 28 will coincide with major changes made at quarterback for Carolina. The Panthers released longtime starter Jake Delhomme, promoted Matt Moore to starter and drafted Jimmy Clausen of Notre Dame in the second round.
The Panthers also enter the season looking for a No. 2 receiver after Muhsin Muhammad wasn't re-signed and then retired.
[Associated Press;
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