Kelvin Benjamin sustained a left knee sprain on Wednesday in the joint practice session with Miami Dolphins.
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Benjamin’s injury wasn’t the only one of significance during the joint practice in Spartanburg, S.C. Dolphins safety Louis Delmas also suffered a torn ACL, ending his season. “It just so happened that (injury) occurred so everybody is expecting more on my plate”.
It’s likely that Vernon will face discipline from Philbin which will likely be a fine but the extent of discipline is not expected to be much more than that if anything at all.
When he underwent an MRI scan in Charlotte, NC, it was found out that Benjamin sustained a tear. “We’re confident he will attack his surgery and rehab with the same determination he has met all challenges before”, team general manager Dave Gettleman said.
“He and Kelvin are different types of players”, Rivera said. Jerricho Cotchery, Jarrett Boykin and Ted Ginn Jr highlight the group. Rivera suggested Funchess has the ability to re-create Benjamin’s rookie production, but the coach admits a drop-off in physicality. “They caught us on a couple”.
“We drafted Devin for a reason”. Sharing the NFC South with the Saints, many people down here keep a close eye on the Panthers and the rest of the division and there is no doubt the Benjamin injury made things easier on the Saints the rest of the league. Funchess was next in line. Not having your No. 1 guy on the practice field, it hurts you a little bit. “That’s what happened”, Funchess said. Carter would certainly help, but he might not be the best option for them – I think getting Reggie Wayne as a free agent would be a better move for Carolina’s situation right now than getting Duron Carter in a trade. Branden Albert (knee) was in uniform but worked in drills that were against other Dolphins players. “Everything was progress”, he said.
Delmas first tore his ACL last December against Baltimore.
The Panthers could barely employ that luxury with Benjamin.
Olsen has been impressed with Funchess, but doesn’t want Funchess’ development to be rushed.
There’s no clear replacement for Benjamin on Carolina’s roster. He’s a good kid. “He’s smart and understands what he’s got to do”. “The plan for him can’t be now altered”.
Players from both teams gathered around Benjamin and took a knee.
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“For those who may be unfamiliar with what Kelvin Benjamin can do, the 6’5″ wide receiver put up 1008 yards and nine touchdowns on 73 receptions past year. “That’s never been said”. “You come to play this game of football. This is one of those instances where that will benefit you”.
