Logs six stops in Week 6 start

Smith posted six solo tackles in the Buccaneers' 34-29 loss to the Falcons on Sunday.

Analysis: Smith filled in for Carlton Davis (groin) against the Falcons' high-powered passing attack and unsurprisingly had an active afternoon. Matt Ryan was able to rack up 354 passing yards and three touchdowns, however, with Smith missing the tackle that allowed Austin Hooper to notch one of those scores. If Davis' injury lingers into Week 7, Smith likely figures to be in line for another start versus a more manageable but still solid Browns passing attack.

Earns start Sunday

Smith will start at cornerback in place of the injured Carlton Davis (groin) in Sunday's game against the Falcons, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Analysis: Smith draws a tough matchup against a Falcons' aerial attack that includes a talented trio of receivers in Julio Jones, Mohamed Sanu and Calvin Ridley. It won't be Smith's first start of the season, however, as he led the Buccaneers in tackles Week 2.

Team-leading tackle total in Week 2

Smith logged nine tackles (seven solo) and two passes defensed in the Buccaneers' 27-21 win over the Eagles on Sunday.

Analysis: Smith played 71 snaps while drawing a start opposite rookie Carlton Davis at left cornerback in place of Brent Grimes (groin). Grimes' eventual return should bump Smith back to nickel corner duties, but he's shown up well with 13 total tackles and a trio of defensed passes over his first two games.

Four tackles in opener

Smith totaled four solo tackles, defensed a pass, and recovered a fumble during the Buccaneers' 48-40 win over the Saints in Week 1.

Analysis: Smith ultimately logged 44 snaps on defense and 17 additional on special teams on a very busy afternoon. The 25-year-old could have plenty of similar weeks ahead of him in the immediate future if starting cornerback Vernon Hargreaves' shoulder injury is as serious as feared. The 2016 fourth-round pick proved to be a solid tackler from the cornerback position last season -- registering 62 stops (51 solo) while also forcing three fumbles and recovering one over 15 games -- while also defending…read more

Game-sealing interception in preseason opener

Smith was credited with seven tackles (five solo), an interception and a forced fumble in the Buccaneers' 26-24 preseason win over the Dolphins on Thursday.

Analysis: Smith was frequently picked on throughout the game, but he was able to come through when it counted most. The third-year corner intercepted a Bryce Petty pass with two seconds remaining, sealing the win for the Buccaneers. He'd also been credited with a forced fumble when Dolphins rookie running back Kalen Ballage attempted to hurdle him after a short reception early in the second quarter. After seeing extensive time in Thursday's game, Smith projects for another heavy workload in Saturday's…read more

Smith supplied five solo tackles and a pass defensed in Sunday's 31-24 win over the Saints.

Analysis: The second-year defensive back had shaken off the ankle injury that had cost him the Week 16 loss to the Panthers early in the practice week, and he looked to be at full health Sunday while posting at least five stops for the fifth time over his final six games of the season. Smith worked his way into the starting lineup beginning in Week 8 due to injuries to Brent Grimes and Vernon Hargreaves (hamstring), and while he ended up acquitting himself particularly well in the tackle department, he…read more

Smith (ankle) was a full participant at the Buccaneers' practice Thursday, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Analysis: Smith was inactive for last Sunday's loss to the Panthers and started the week as a limited participant. Friday's practice session should provide further clarity, but at this point the 24-year-old appears on track to be available for the regular-season finale against the Saints.

Smith (ankle) is inactive for Sunday's matchup with Carolina, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Analysis: Smith was limited in practice this week but ultimately listed as doubtful for Sunday's game. Robert McClain will likely see the spot start at cornerback opposite Brent Grimes while Smith is out.

Smith (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Smith was able to practice in a limited capacity throughout the week, but the Buccaneers appear to be leaning in the direction of ruling their starting cornerback out for Sunday. If Smith is sidelined, Robert McClain would likely start across from Brent Grimes, with Javien Elliott potentially seeing additional snaps as well.

Smith (ankle) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: The second-year defensive back logged 56 snaps in last Monday night's loss to the Falcons, finishing with four solo tackles. He apparently tweaked his ankle during the contest as well, although the fact that he was able to at least log limited participation indicates it wasn't overly severe. Thursday's practice report should she'd further light on Smith's progress, or lack thereof, towards suiting up for a Week 16 tilt against the division-rival Panthers.

Smith (concussion) is not listed on the team's injury report Thursday, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Analysis: Smith left Sunday's loss to the Lions to be evaluated for a concussion. His full participation Thursday indicates he is on track to play in Monday's matchup against the Falcons. Ryan McClain would be next in line at cornerback if Smith were to suffer any type of setback.

Smith is being evaluated for a concussion during Sunday's game against the Lions, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Analysis: Smith has played solid all season, compiling 45 tackles (37 solo) and three forced fumbles through 12 games, and he had six tackles before leaving Sunday's game in the third frame. Expect Robert McClain and Javien Elliott to pick up Smith's snaps in his absence.

Smith compiled eight solo tackles in Sunday's 34-20 loss to the Falcons.

Analysis: Smith drew another start with Vernon Hargreaves (hamstring) still sidelined, and he was able to parlay the opportunity into the second-highest tackle total of his young career. The second-year defensive back has proven he can wrap up consistently, but he hasn't been nearly as successful in getting his hands on the ball. Smith has just three passes defensed and no interceptions this season and has seen plenty of playing time recently on a unit that was torched by Julio Jones for 253 yards Sunday…read more