Panthers TE Olsen Has Foot Surgery; Expected To Miss Several Weeks
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Panthers coach Ron Rivera says tight end Greg Olsen has had surgery to repair a broken right foot.
Ron Rivera said Greg Olsen had foot surgery this morning. pic.twitter.com/xrDuQg9qeb
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) September 18, 2017
Rivera wouldn't speculate Monday on how long Olsen will be out. However, the 32-year-old tight end said after Carolina's 9-3 win over the Bills on Sunday that he expected to miss several weeks.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport tweeted Monday that Olsen is expected to miss about six games.
With a broken foot, #Panthers TE Greg Olsen figures to be about 6 games. IR possible. I'm told it's not a season-ending injury. He'll return
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 18, 2017
Olsen has never missed a game due to injury in 11 seasons.
The injury occurred while Olsen was running a route and felt something pop in his foot. He wanted to go back in the game but quickly realized something was not right. He was taken to the locker room where he later emerged on crutches.
The Panthers now face the challenge of replacing a player who has gained at least 1,000 yards receiving in each of the past three seasons.
(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)