Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin suffered a torn ACL in his left knee Wednesday, an injury that the team announced will sideline him for the season.
Panthers coach Ron Rivera told reporters earlier in the day Benjamin had a sprained knee and remained hopeful everything would be fine. However, Benjamin was taken back to Charlotte, North Carolina where an MRI revealed the tear.
Rookie Devin Funchess has had a good offseason and seems like the likeliest candidate to replace (some) of Benjamin's production. He tweaked his hamstring today, so hopefully he's not out too long. Second year speedster Philly Brown flashed last season and could be headed for a starter's role, though Ted Ginn, Jerricho Cotchery, Brenton Bersin and Jarrett Boykin are in the mix as well. Funchess' ADP is probably headed for the 8th/9th round; Benjamin went in the 7th/8th last year, but had an outstanding camp. Consider Brown a late-round flier. This is obviously bad news for Cam Newton, who loses his best weapon in the passing game. Greg Olsen looks like an even better value as a mid-round tight end.
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