CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith has been ruled out for Sundays game against the Atlanta Falcons. Panthers coach Ron Rivera made the announcement following Fridays practice, adding that running back Jonathan Stewart (knee) and defensive tackle Colin Cole (calf) will not play either. Smith sprained his left knee during Carolinas 17-13 win over New Orleans last Sunday. The win assured the Panthers a playoff spot, but this weeks game looms even larger. Carolina (11-4) can wrap up the NFC South division title and a first-round bye by beating the Falcons. "Steve has actually improved a lot," Rivera said. "In Steves way he basically said if I had to I would play this weekend. He probably couldnt, but he would try." Rivera, however, said the team doesnt want to risk losing Smith for the playoffs. "Not a chance," Rivera said. "Its about going forward. This game is very important and we know it. But there are other things ahead, too." Rivera said if the Panthers dont win the NFC South and secure a first-round bye, he expects Smith would be ready to play next Sunday in the wild-card round of the playoffs. Smith leads the team with 67 receptions for 774 yards and five touchdowns. Ted Ginn Jr. is expected to start at wide receiver for Smith, but Domenik Hixon will see increased action. Falcons coach Mike Smith acknowledged earlier in the week his team will probably alter how it defends the Panthers if Smith doesnt play. "Steve Smith is one of the most competitive, not just wide receivers, football players that Ive been fortunate enough or, weve been fortunate enough, to compete against," Smith said. "He brings a lot of energy. He brings a lot of passion to the way he plays the game. You do defend a little bit differently when Steve Smith is in the game based on where hes aligned and what the down and distance is, because to me hes one of the marquis wide receivers still in the NFL." Rivera said hes interested to see what Brandon LaFell will do as Carolinas primary wide receiver. LaFell is third on the team in receptions with 49 for 627 yards and five touchdowns. "Brandon has done nothing but take strides and get better as a football player," Rivera said. "And it will also be good to see as far as Ted Ginn is concerned and Domenik Hixon. These three guys have done some really good things for us. It will help us gauge where were at." The Panthers are also expected to lean heavily on tight end Greg Olsen, who has 64 receptions for 747 yards and four touchdowns. NOTES: Safety Robert Lester was added to the injury report Friday as questionable after getting his ankle stepped on at practice. Best Cheap Shoes Online Canada . Top-seeded Djokovic, who is making only his second appearance this year after reaching the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, was a 6-3, 6-3 winner over 54th-ranked Istomin of Uzbekistan. 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Shoes Sale Canada Online . -- Desperate to stop Tom Bradys latest comeback bid, the Miami Dolphins sought help from a reserve safety making his NFL debut after being signed Tuesday off the San Francisco 49ers practice squad.(Courtesy Greatest Hockey Legends)Hockey is a theme in the North American version of Batman in this 1975 comic. It was titled Murder Masquerade! (Batman #268, October 1975) and features Batman and Robin fighting their enemies on the ice and using hockey sticks. Of course, its got some great hockey-puns too. (Courtesy Batman-Online)Batmans adventures on the ice did not end there. This time hes laying out some serious cross-checks in another serious battle. The quality of this pic may not be great, however its clear that Robin is impressed with Batmans goal scoring skills. (Via HeyLandsberg Instagram)In The MoviesIn the cinema Batmans popularity has reached new levels. The Dark Knight series in particular has created fandom beyond what the character has ever seen.Certain lines from the movies have become cult classics. For example this one from Christian Bales Batman after he encounters some Batman imposters. One of them asks "Whats the difference between you and me??" Batmans response has become legendary. A less popular Batman and Robin also took to the ice in 1997 as they battled Arnold Schwarzeneggers Mr. Freeze. In the scene, George Clooneys Batman and Chris ODonnels Robin are surrounded by a bunch of Freezes Goons on Ice.They are skating around the duo and attacking them with sticks. This prompts Robin to describe them as the "Hockey Team From Hell". Perhaps more incredible is a scene where the Crime Fighters click their heels in unison and reveal their boots have skate blades on them. Take a look at the whole thing here:In Real LifePeople dressing up as Batman is common. Many people love to dawn the mask or cape in real life to embody thhe essence of the famous crime fighter.dddddddddddd Wed even like to imagine one NHL coach in particular who would look great with a Batman maskYoull see dress up Batman in many different hockey scenerios. For example a YouTube Batman and a bunch of other superheroes taking part in a great street hockey game from a few years ago.Steve Ott wore a Batman cape to six flags recently. Evgeni Malkin donned a bat Cape with a mini Dark Knight on his Instagram feedSpeaking of the "Penguins", goalie Ken Wregget wore a mask featuring one of Batmans famous enemies in 1995. (Courtesy SiKids)The Coyotes even did a video where players had to choose between Batman and SupermanHockey EquipmentAs you can see there is a lot ties to the Hockey world and Gothams favourite Superhero. All that without even mentioning all the Batman Hockey products.Theres Batman Hockey Tape(Via Walmart.ca) Several Batman Hockey Jerseys (Via blogspot)(Via netdna.cdn.com)(Via yimg.com)A lot of Batman Goalie Masks(Via Comcast)(Via Airtrix)(Via styleforum.net) Batman Goalie Pads(Via snlsmith/photobucket)Batman Mouth Guards (Via Total Hockey)Batmans Hockey SkillsBased on his skill set of being a tough yet remarkably agile hero we believe Batman would be a Power Forward.Think a mixture of Milan Lucic and John Tavares. He could definitely hit, and probably has an okay shot as well.You definitely would not want to go into the corners with the Caped Crusader.Most importantly his work with Robin shows that hes a team player.We give him the following made up marks:Shot – 8/10Hitting – 9/10Finnesse – 9/10Passing – 9.5/10Speed – 7/10Hockey Sense – 10/10 ' ' '