CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Injuries are a part of football, and for Panthers tight end Greg Olsen, a frustrating part of the last 12 months.
- Olsen re-fractured his right foot, and will be evaluated on a month-by-month basis
- The team will likely turn to rookie Ian Thomas to try and fill Olsen’s role in his absence
- Daryl Williams' right knee injury is serious enough that he's recommended for surgery
Panthers trainer Ryan Vermillion says Olsen re-fractured his right foot, and will be evaluated on a month-by-month basis.
Olsen’s frustration was apparent following the Panthers win over Dallas. Olsen respectfully declined interview requests, but could be seen speaking to General Manager Marty Hurney with a grimaced expression.
The team will likely turn to rookie Ian Thomas to try and fill Olsen’s role in his absence.
“Going right into the fire, just playing right away and learning from my mistakes every game,” Thomas said Monday. “I know I played two years of college football, but I guess now is my time to get all the kinks out.”
Thomas has the backing of Head Coach Ron Rivera, who realizes Thomas is a work in progress, but the work he has done so far, has made him a better tight end since his arrival. Still, there is work to be done.
“I think he is pretty well prepared,” Rivera said. “There are some things that he still has to learn, and there is a long way to go. In terms of having that natural feel that Greg has...having that rapport that Greg has.”
The other, and equally serious blow, came to the offensive line. Daryl Williams' right knee injury is serious enough that team doctor Patrick Connor has recommended surgery. Williams was injured in the 4th quarter against Dallas, and had to be taken off the field on a cart. He did not return to the game.