Carolina Panthers’ tight end Greg Olsen will miss the remainder of the 2018 season with a torn plantar fascia in his foot. Olsen has built a reputation as somebody who never missed a game, appearing in all 16 games each season from 2008-2016. Olsen has struggled to stay on the field for the past couple of seasons, only appearing in 7 games last season, and just 8 this season.
After struggling with a different foot injury this season, Greg Olsen was very emotional while talking to reporters about his season-ending injury.
Different injury for Greg Olsen, though stems from compensating for hurt foot. He is understandably emotional. pic.twitter.com/Iuir7Xx26g
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) December 2, 2018
Once Cam Newton’s favorite target, Greg Olsen’s inability to stay on the field, as well as the addition of young weapons in Carolina, has caused his role to decline slightly. Olsen signed a two year extension this offseason, keeping him under contract through the 2020 season. After posting three straight 1,000 yard receiving seasons, Olsen’s seen his production decline tremendously mostly due to this injury. Coming into today, he’s played 15 games in the last two seasons and combined for 43 catches with 469 yards and five touchdowns. He’s at a borderline career-worst production level.
At 6-6 following their loss today to the Buccaneers, the Panthers are trying to fight their way into the playoffs. Olsen’s veteran presence, as well as his reliable hands, will be missed until next season, but the Panthers have an extremely versatile group of weapons to help shoulder the load during Olsen’s absence. With his recent injuries, the three-time Pro-Bowler’s future role on this young Panthers team will be something to keep an eye on.
