The Carolina Panthers have locked down their playoff berth for the season, but now the team must continue to be concerned about injuries while the aim to preserve their perfect season. The Panthers are coming off a blowout win over the Atlanta Falcons with a game against the New York Giants and head coach Ron Rivera stresses everyone will remain competitive while injuries become an issue.
The Panthers might have won against the Falcons in Week 14, but they saw two scary injuries happen during the game. Both Jonathan Stewart and Greg Olsen went down in the win and the injuries might be serious. According to David Newton of ESPN.com, Olsen got good news that he avoided serious injury to his knee. The tight end suffered a sprain in the first half against the Falcons and is expected to play against the Giants. That is great news for Cam Newton and company as Olsen is the leading receiver for the team. Keeping him on the field is critical. The tight end stressed that the Panthers want perfection despite the doubt.
"It's a pretty fun time right now," Olsen said, via Yahoo Sports. "In the city there's a buzz, the fans are excited. Every store you go in, everybody is so supportive of you. They can't wait to say thanks. The season season has been so fun for everyone."
Olsen might be getting on the field, but Stewart might not be so lucky. According to the Charlotte Observer, Stewart has been placed in a protective walking boot as the team is doubtful he gets on the field in Week 15. The running back is leading the Panthers to have the second-best ground game in the league with 141.9 yards per game. He has been a big key with 989 yards on the season.
Rivera told the media that he did not believe Stewart's injury was serious, but it could sideline him for a game. If the running back is unable to play, Fozzy Whittaker could get the start while Mike Tolbert and rookie Cameron Artis-Payne see action as well. All three running backs are top options and should be able to keep things moving.
With the receiving game thriving, the Panthers need Olsen on the field. The tight end helps draw the defense which often leaves either Devin Funchess or Ted Ginn Jr wide open. Olsen told the media that he feels very fortunate his injury was not as bad as it could have been and while he is not making any guarantees that he will be healthy come Sunday, he believes there should be no setbacks in recovery.
"We definitely escaped what could have been a tough situation there with the way my leg was," Olsen said, via ESPN.com. "We were lucky. We dodged a little bit of a bullet as far as significant injury. We'll see how the week goes. I try not to make huge guarantees. Barring any sort of setback or any sort of limitation as the week goes on, that's our intent."
