Online sportsbook info tells us that the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are going to be without their top receivers for the entire preseason. The Bucs Antonio Bryant has a torn meniscus in his left knee but Internet sportsbook info tells us that he is expected to be ready for the season opener against Dallas. Carolina wide receiver Steve Smith injured his shoulder in practice and his status for the regular season opener is in question.
Online sportsbook numbers bear watching on both Carolina and Tampa Bay in the preseason. In the first game it is not a big deal losing a starting receiver since starters don’t play long but it can be a bigger issue in the next two games. Tampa Bay doesn’t have much receiving depth to begin with so it will affect them. “We’re going to go ahead and work on that knee … clean that thing out, get him ready for the season,” coach Raheem Morris said. Internet sportsbook stats tell us that Bryant had a great year in 2008, catching 83 balls for 1,248 yards and seven touchdowns. The Bucs placed the franchise tag on Bryant in February which means Bryant will make $9.88 million this season. The Bucs have Michael Clayton as their second receiver as online sportsbook roster information tells us, so they badly need Bryant to stay healthy.
The Panthers are not happy about the injury to Smith but they are more concerned about him missing the regular season opener. Online sportsbook info tells us that Smith was injured after colliding with cornerback Chris Gamble during a passing drill. Last season as online sportsbook stats tell us, Smith had 78 catches for 1,421 yards and six TDs. And those online sportsbook stats were after Smith missed the first part of last season due to suspension. Online sportsbook information tells us that Carolina doesn’t have much depth at receiver either with their second receiver being Mushin Muhammad and their third receiver, Dwayne Jarrett. Smith has had a history of preseason problems. Three years ago he was hurt in the preseason and last year he got into a fight in the preseason that cost him a two-game suspension.
Injuries can be a key factor to remember as you make preseason wagers at the Internet sportsbook. Remember to take a look at the sports betting injury report before you make your NFL betting wagers at the Internet sportsbook this preseason.