Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera has backed wide receiver Steve Smith to have a big impact on Sunday's playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers despite struggling with an injury.

Smith did not take part in the Panthers' light workout yesterday having spent the last two weeks recovering from a sprained left knee.

However, despite not being fully fit with less than a week to go until the match, Rivera believes that the 34-year-old will still find a way to be effective for his side.

"What is Steve going to do? What can Steve do? How can he impact the game? That can only be answered by once you get on the field and how are the [49ers] going to approach Steve," Rivera told reporters.

"I do love Steve's enthusiasm. I do love who Steve is. You can't duplicate that. He's a special guy. Steve will find a way to be effective and make things happen."

Smith missed the final game of the regular season due to the injury, which he picked up during his side's 17-13 win over the New Orleans Saints on December 22.