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Former Minnesota star Rodney Smith continues late-season surge with 1st NFL TD

Scott Schultz

By Scott Schultz

Published:

With the Carolina Panthers functioning without Christian McCaffrey and Mike Davis, former Minnesota running back Rodney Smith knew he would have the opportunity to see more action this week against the New Orleans Saints.

And Smith took advantage of the opportunity.

On a second-and-goal play late in the first quarter, Smith took the handoff from Panthers QB Teddy Bridgewater and blasted the gap over the left tackle to score his first NFL touchdown.

Smith had received just four touches in five straight games going back to week 11, averaging just 3.7 yards-per-carry on 28 rushes. He also caught seven of nine passes for 53 yards.

With the diminished Carolina roster, the undrafted rookie is taking reps with Trenton Cannon, Alex Armah, and even Curtis Samuel as the Panthers round out their 2020 campaign.

Smith posted two 1,000-yard campaigns during his time at Minnesota and finished second on the all-time list with 4,125 yards for the Gophers. He currently ranks seventh on the school’s all-time list with 29 rushing touchdowns.

Scott Schultz

Scott Schultz covers Michigan State Football, along with Breaking News for B1G Football & Basketball for Saturday Tradition. He also serves as an Automotive News Editor & Writer, and Softball Writer elsewhere on the web. Follow him on Twitter @SRSchultz.