CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen won’t play this Sunday against the New York Giants. After that, anything could happen.

  • Olsen continues his rehab from a fracture in his right foot but he's back on the practice field
  • Olsen says the screw that was inserted to help the healing last season may have prevented a long absence this season

Olsen continues his rehab from a fracture in his right foot, the same foot he injured last season, but is already back on the practice field, running routes, and taking on the blocking sled.

Olsen says the screw that was inserted to help the healing last season may have prevented a long absence this season.

“The screw is what saved us,” Olsen said Thursday. “The screw is what allows this to even be possible.”

What is possible is a return for Olsen in the near future, perhaps as early as week six in Washington.

Head coach Ron Rivera wasn’t getting into specific timetables for his Pro Bowl tight end, but he has been pleased with what he has seen so far.

When asked if he felt Olsen was putting on a show for the media, Rivera laughed and replied, “yes he was."

“He moved around well, we’re very happy about it. Again, everything will be about how he feels the next day. He’s stressed himself two days in a row. Tomorrow, if everything is fine, I think we’re gonna stress him even more to see how the foot is on Saturday, and we’ll go from there as far as the next week is concerned.”

Adding Olsen back into the offense would certainly be a boost to the group overall, putting one of quarterback Cam Newton’s favorite targets back on the field. It would also make an already dangerous rushing attack even harder to stop.

The Panthers currently lead the NFL in total rushing yards per game, averaging 166 through their first three contests. Olsen played in the first half of the first game before leaving with the injury.