CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It’s Steve Smith Week in Charlotte. Well, it is for most.

Smith, a former Carolina Panthers star receiver, now plays for the Baltimore Ravens.

“We’re playing the Baltimore Ravens. Steve plays for the Ravens, and that’s just the way it is,” Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Wednesday. “This game is not about one guy.”

Technically, all of that is true. And since both the Panthers and Ravens are 2-1, the result of Sunday’s game in Baltimore will be more important than what happens with one guy. But while Rivera didn’t want to get into questions about Smith, the fact is the Panthers will be facing one of the franchise’s best players just six months after they released him.

“I never really imagined I’d be in a different uniform,” Smith said. “I never really thought I’d play against the Panthers, and now I am.”

During his 13 years with the Panthers, Smith set or tied nearly 50 team records, including most receptions (836), receiving yards (12,197) and touchdown catches (67). Through the first three weeks of this season, he is the Ravens’ leading receiver, showing he still can play. That is one of the reasons fans were so upset and confused when the Panthers unceremoniously cut him in March.

“He’s going to be the same Steve Smith, ragin’ Cajun, same guy,” Panthers cornerback Josh Norman said when asked what he expects from Smith on Sunday. “Playing with emotion, playing with everything he got, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

The fiery Smith took the high road Wednesday, perhaps saving his words for Sunday.

Part of Smith’s storyline involves Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, who also attempted to say all the right things.

“I can tell you that me and Steve have a healthy relationship,” Newton said. “I’m rooting for him, except for this particular Sunday. That’s all in the competitive love. I wish him the best.”

Newton and Smith did not have the best relationship during the three years they played together in Carolina.

When asked what he remembered most about playing with Smith, Newton smiled and said, “That everyday, chip-on-his-shoulder attitude. I don’t even know if there is a word to describe it. Anybody who has ever followed the Carolina Panthers knows what I’m talking about.”

While Newton is right, Smith sounded less-than-enthused when reporters shared that comment and Newton’s seemingly harmless suggestion of “Mighty Mouse” as a nickname for his 5-foot-9 former teammate.

“Yeah, whatever,” Smith said. “I’ve got to get going. They told me I’ve got to do the podium.”

Before he went to speak with reporters who cover the Ravens, Smith made it clear Baltimore is just where he works.

“Carolina is my home and will always be my home,” Smith said. “I miss everything about Carolina. I miss being at home. I miss my friends. But I also understand it’s a business, and sometimes in business you’ve got to temporarily go somewhere else.”

And right now, that somewhere else is seven hours northeast of Charlotte. Really, the only things that seem to have changed since the Panthers made their change are Smith’s uniform and office.

“The biggest difference and similarities?” Smith said, repeating after a reporter’s question. “Similarities — (No.) 89 is making plays. Difference — I’m in Maryland.”