Chau Smith-Wade - NFL News, Rumors, & Updates

Logs 56 tackles in 2025 Smith-Wade tallied 56 tackles (43 solo), an interception and two passes defender across 16 games during the 2025 campaign.

Impact Smith-Wade saw increased playing time on defense during his second season, and he ended up recording a career-high 56 tackles while serving as the Panthers' starting slot cornerback. The 23-year-old also managed to score his first NFL touchdown, as he ran back a Michael Penix interception for six points during their Week 3 win over the Falcons.

FEBRUARY 5 • ROTOWIRE

QBs Young and Penix are in spotlight as Panthers and Falcons look for more help from passing game

Young quarterbacks Bryce Young of Carolina and Michael Penix Jr. of Atlanta will be in the spotlight when the Panthers visit the Falcons

NOVEMBER 13, 2025 • Associated Press

Cleared to play Week 6 Smith-Wade (chest) is active for Sunday's game against the Cowboys, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Impact Smith-Wade was unable to play against the Dolphins in Week 5 due to a chest injury, but he's been given the green light to play Sunday after logging full practices all week. The 2024 fifth-rounder has accumulated 10 tackles (nine solo) and a pick-six across four regular-season games.

OCTOBER 12, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable after full practices Smith-Wade (chest) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cowboys.

Impact Smith-Wade seems more likely than not to play after logging three full practices, but he's still listed on the injury report. The nickel cornerback sat out Carolina's Week 5 win over the Dolphins due to a chest injury.

OCTOBER 10, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Past chest injury Smith-Wade (chest) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

Impact Smith-Wade was sidelined for the Panthers' Week 5 win over the Dolphins due to a chest injury. However, his ability to practice without restriction Wednesday indicates that he should be available for Sunday's game against the Cowboys, which would revert Corey Thornton to a reserve role in the secondary. Smith-Wade has 10 tackles (nine solo) and one pick-six through four regular-season games.

OCTOBER 8, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Out for Week 5 Smith-Wade (chest) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Dolphins, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Impact Smith-Wade didn't practice all week after sustaining a chest injury in the Panthers' Week 4 loss to the Patriots, so it's no surprise that he'll be sidelined Sunday. The second-year pro has impressed in his first season as a full-time starter, recording 10 total tackles and one pick-six through Carolina's first four games this season. While he's out in Week 5, Akayleb Evans and Corey Thornton could see increased reps with the Panthers' first-team defense.

OCTOBER 3, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard out vs. Miami with calf injury, Rico Dowdle to start

Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales says running back Chuba Hubbard will miss Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins

OCTOBER 3, 2025 • Associated Press

Sideline Pass Ep. 25 with Chau Smith-Wade This week on Sideline Pass, Kristen and Sharon react to the Panthers 30-0 win over the Falcons, preview this weekend's road trip to New Engl...

SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 • PANTHERS.COM

Panthers' victory over Falcons a needed one for a struggling franchise going forward

The Carolina Panthers have secured their first win of the season by defeating the Atlanta Falcons 30-0 on Sunday

SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 • Associated Press

First career pick-six in Week 3 Smith-Wade recorded five total tackles (all solo) and one pick-six during Sunday's 30-0 win over the Falcons.

Impact The second-year pro from Washington State has had a great start to his first season as a full-time starter in Carolina, recording eight total tackles and one pick-six across his first three games. He's expected to remain the Panthers' top slot corner in a Week 4 matchup against the Patriots.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

First career pick-six in Week 3 Smith-Wade recorded five total tackles and one pick-six during Sunday's 30-0 win over the Falcons.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

NFL locals: WSU's Chau Smith-Wade records pick-six against former Husky rival Washington State lost the Apple Cup on Saturday, but the Cougars got a little vengeance a day later,...

SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 • THENEWSTRIBUNE.COM

Falcons plan to stick with Michael Penix Jr. at QB despite 30-0 loss to Panthers

Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris said he has no intentions of benching second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. next week despite a dismal performance on Sunday in a 30-0 loss...

SEPTEMBER 21, 2025 • Associated Press

Falcons vs. Panthers: Alex Faust & Matt Millen recap Panthers' dominant win vs. Falcons | NFL on FOX

SEPTEMBER 21, 2025 • FOX SPORTS

Panthers dominate Falcons 30-0 for first win of the season

The Carolina Panthers have earned their first win of the season, defeating the Atlanta Falcons 30-0 on Sunday

SEPTEMBER 21, 2025 • Associated Press

Can't-Miss Play: Chau Smith-Wade scores 13-yard pick-six TD Carolina Panthers cornerback Chau Smith-Wade scores a touchdown after intercepting Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr.'s short pas...

SEPTEMBER 21, 2025 • NFL.COM

Chau Smith-Wade intercepts Michael Penix Jr. for a Panthers touchdown Watch Panthers defensive back Chau Smith-Wade intercept Michael Penix Jr. and returns the ball for a 13-yard touchdown.

SEPTEMBER 21, 2025 • PANTHERS.COM

How Chau Smith-Wade has become "the most impressive player" in OTAs and minicamp A short offseason after earning the starting role as the nickel, Chau Smith-Wade has grasped the defense and upped his communication, leadin...

JUNE 10, 2025 • PANTHERS.COM

Back with the team for OTAs Smith-Wade is participating in OTAs after going on injured reserve with an illness in December.

Impact The 2024 fifth-round pick took over the slot corner role late in the season before coming down with the illness. Smith-Wade should be in line to man the role again in 2025.

JUNE 6, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Placed on IR The Panthers placed Smith-Wade (illness) on injured reserve Saturday, Darin Gantt of the team's official website reports.

Impact With only two games left in the regular season, Carolina will err on the side of caution with Smith-Wade's illness and sit him out the remainder of the way. In his absence, the likes of Caleb Farley, Dane Jackson, Shemar Bartholomew and Akayleb Evans are candidates to fill in at the slot cornerback position.

DECEMBER 28, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Out for Week 17 Smith-Wade (illness) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bucs.

Impact Smith-Wade has taken over as Carolina's slot corner in recent weeks and has started each of the last three games. With Jaycee Horn (wrist) listed as doubtful, the Panthers look like they'll be down two of their top three cornerbacks Sunday, leaving Michael Jackson, Dane Jackson and Caleb Farley atop the depth chart.

DECEMBER 27, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Notebook: Rookie nickel Chau Smith-Wade showing many skills The fifth-round cornerback has impressed by making some plays, but also with how quickly he's picking things up.

DECEMBER 12, 2024 • PANTHERS.COM

Nabs first career interception Smith-Wade recorded eight total tackles (six solo) and one interception in Sunday's 26-23 overtime loss to the Buccaneers.

Impact Smith-Wade appeared to have lost his starting spot on Carolina's defense after playing strictly on special teams in the Panthers' two games prior to Week 13. However, the rookie cornerback from Washington State played 47 defensive snaps and delivered the best performance of his pro career in Sunday's loss, picking off Baker Mayfield in the second quarter and tying Jordan Fuller for the second-most tackles on the Panthers' defense. The 22-year-old is likely to retain his role as a starter after Sunday's performance, serving as the the team's top slot cornerback.

DECEMBER 2, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Chau Smith-Wade's first NFL INT comes on dazzling snag of Mayfield's pass Watch Panthers cornerback Chau Smith-Wade record his first career NFL interception, picking off Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfi...

DECEMBER 1, 2024 • PANTHERS.COM

Learning curves and high energy set the stage for Chau Smith-Wade Rookie cornerback Chau Smith-Wade took over the nickel position last Sunday, giving a glimpse into the growth needed and potential there for...

OCTOBER 27, 2024 • PANTHERS.COM

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