The Carolina Panthers have just taken a huge hit to their offense.
NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport confirmed the team’s worst fear, that second-year wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin will need surgery to repair a torn ACL he sustained in practice Wednesday.
VIDEO: @Panthers WR Kelvin Benjamin injures knee during joint practice with @MiamiDolphins. http://t.co/hPNLpVNRO1
— NFL (@NFL) August 19, 2015
At first, the Panthers thought Benjamin might have sprained his left knee on what was a non-contact spill. Unfortunately, the Panthers confirmed via their team’s official website that Benjamin will miss the entire 2015 season.
Benjamin, who was a first-round draft pick in 2014, put up impressive numbers during his rookie campaign, tallying 73 receptions, 1,003 yards and nine touchdowns.
His injury leaves a world of weight on the shoulders of rookie wideout Devin Funchess, who quarterback Cam Newton need to rely on more heavily than expected. Carolina will also need Greg Olsen, Jarrett Boykin, Ted Ginn Jr., Brandon Bersin and Philly Brown to step up.