Pack's Rashard Smith out for the season

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Pack's Smith out for rest of season

N.C. State's struggling defense suffered a significant blow Tuesday with the announcement that freshman cornerback Rashard Smith is out for the season with a knee injury.

Smith had just bounced back from an ankle injury to return to the starting lineup on Saturday at Boston College. Coach Tom O'Brien had hoped Smith could be part of the solution to N.C. State's defensive problems.

But Smith injured his knee in the second quarter against the Eagles. He returned to the game and spoke to reporters after the Wolfpack's 52-20 loss, but tests done later revealed that his knee needs rest and rehabilitation. No other specifics related to Smith's injury were released.

Another knee injury sidelines Falcons' Jerry

Falcons first-round pick Peria Jerry missed time in minicamp with a right knee injury.

He left the season opener with a chest injury.

The defensive tackle from Ole Miss was hurt again Sunday, and this time it may be more serious.

Colts safety breaks finger

Safety Antoine Bethea has cracked a bone in his right hand, leaving him on the sideline for both of the Indianapolis Colts' practices Wednesday.

Coach Jim Caldwell did not give a timetable for Bethea's return. Caldwell said Bethea would be fitted for a cast and would return when he can play while wearing the cast.

Losing Bethea is a blow to a defense that is still missing safety Bob Sanders. Caldwell said Wednesday morning he wasn't sure Sanders would be back for the regular-season opener. Sanders had offseason knee surgery to clean up the same knee that kept him out of 10 games last season.

Panthers' Wesley suspended for hit on punt

The NFL suspended Carolina Panthers special teams player Dante Wesley one game without pay Monday for launching himself into defenseless Tampa Bay Buccaneers returner Clifton Smith.

Wesley left his feet and hit Smith in the neck and head with his forearm and shoulder as Smith waited to field a punt late in the second quarter on Sunday. Smith sustained a concussion, and both benches emptied. Wesley was ejected.

Smith had not signaled for a fair catch, and Wesley said he mistimed hitting him. But NFL executive vice president of football operations Ray Anderson called the act a flagrant violation of player safety rules.

Injury sidelines Pack's Morgan

N.C. State cornerback DeAndre Morgan will miss Thursday's game against South Carolina with an ankle injury, the school announced Tuesday evening.

Morgan, a returning starter, had been replaced by redshirt freshman C.J. Wilson atop the depth chart last week. Freshman Rashard Smith takes Morgan's place in the No. 2 spot on the depth chart.