Steve Smith won't play

All-pro receiver Steve Smith did not travel with the Carolina Panthers on Saturday and will miss Sunday's game at the Metrodome, the Associated Press reported Saturday.
Smith hasn't practiced or played since straining his right hamstring in practice Sept. 5. Drew Carter and Keary Colbert are expected to split time opposite Keyshawn Johnson against the Vikings, the AP reported.
That means as many as four starters could be out for the Panthers. The others: center Justin Hartwig (groin), left tackle Travelle Wharton (knee) and middle linebacker Dan Morgan (concussion). In fact, Wharton has already been placed on the injured reserve, ending his 2006 season.
The key for the Vikings will be to limit DeShaun Foster on first down runs, and force quarterback Jake Delhomme to make plays from second-and-long, and third-and-long. That will enable the Vikings pass rushers to focus on getting after Delhomme, which, in turn, will likely create turnover opportunities.
On offense, the Vikings need to try to confuse and exploit Morgan's replacement, Adam Seward, a second-year player out of UNLV.