Expecting anyone to truly replace Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen would be an exercise in futility.
His three consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons from 2014-2016, his near-telepathic connection with Cam Newton, not to mention his professionalism and standing in the Panthers locker room ... well, there’s just no one who can do everything Olsen does.
So why bother trying? That may seem like a concession of sorts, but it might be the key to unlocking Carolina’s offense in Olsen’s absence.
After Olsen exited Carolina’s season-opening victory over Dallas late in the first quarter, he returned after halftime with crutches and a walking boot on his right foot.