Panthers WR Hackett To Start Following Smith's Suspension

Spartanburg, S.C. (AHN) - Wide receiver D.J. Hackett will likely start for the Carolina Panthers following the suspension of Steve Smith.

Hackett, a fifth-round selection by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2004 NFL Draft, will replace top receiver Smith in Week 1 at San Diego.

Smith, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, was suspended for two games following his reported attack on cornerback Ken Lucas during practice last week.

Lucas sustained a broken nose and will have to undergo surgery.

However, Hackett's state of health for the coming season remains a question.

Throughout his stay in Seattle, Hackett sustained a series of injuries, which included a hip injury that sidelined him during his rookie season.

Last year, he injured his right ankle twice limiting him to just six games with 32 catches in the regular season.

Hackett signed a two-year, $3.5 million deal with the Panthers in March.

Hackett will be complementing returning receiver Muhsin Muhammad against the Chargers, and in the home opener against Chicago a week later.