Greg Olsen Injury: Updates on Panthers Star's Cramp and Return

Updates from Thursday, Aug. 21

Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer has the latest on Olsen:

Updates from Friday, Aug. 15

Blue and Black Review reported that Olsen is back for Friday's practice:

Updates from Thursday, Aug. 14

The Panthers confirmed that Greg Olsen is out for Thursday's practice:

Original Text

As if Cam Newton's luck couldn't have been bad enough in the offseason, he certainly suffered a scare during practice Tuesday as Greg Olsen limped out with what originally appeared to be an ankle injury.

Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer reported on Olsen following the injury:

Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer also passed along his observations from practice:

Black and Blue Review also passed along Olsen's reaction following the injury:

Ron Rivera later revealed that Olsen went to the training room with a cramp (via the Panthers):

Considering how depleted the Panthers receiving corps became in the offseason, the last thing the Carolina offense needs is to lose a player like Olsen, who has been one of the few reliable targets for Newton. During his three years in Charlotte, the 29-year-old has averaged 62 receptions, 733 yards and five touchdowns a year.

He led the Panthers in the three major receiving categories last year (73 receptions, 816 yards and six touchdowns). With Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell and Ted Ginn having left in the offseason, Olsen's never been more important to Carolina's success.

The silver lining for the Panthers is Brandon Williams. Olsen's potential absence opens the door for him to become even more of a focal point in the passing game.

Bob Leverone/Associated Press

The 26-year-old was out of football for three years before making the team last season. ESPN.com's David Newton wrote about Williams during the offseason, saying he could become the next Antonio Gates, Tony Gonazlez or Jimmy Graham in terms of former basketball players making the jump to tight end in the NFL.

Because of his experience on the court, Williams boasts freakish athleticism. He could be this year's Julius Thomas.

If Olsen misses any extended time, the Panthers will need to find somebody to fill the void in the passing game.