Olsen refractures foot, reportedly set to miss 'significant chunk of time'

The Carolina Panthers are set to lose a key part of their offense for the foreseeable future, as star tight end Greg Olsen is expected to miss "a significant chunk of time" due to a foot injury suffered in Sunday's win over the Dallas Cowboys, sources told Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Olsen refractured the same foot that kept him sidelined for nine games in 2017, the Panthers confirmed. Carolina said Olsen won't need surgery but will be evaluated "on a monthly basis."

It's possible Olsen will go on injured reserve, added Rapoport, meaning he'd have to miss a minimum of eight weeks. The tight end said he's "optimistic" that he'll be able to return this season in a statement posted on Twitter:

Rookie Ian Thomas will likely take over the starting role. He caught two passes for four yards in his NFL debut against the Cowboys.

Carolina's injury woes don't end there, however. The team also announced that right tackle Daryl Williams will undergo knee surgery after being hurt Sunday, and didn't provide a timetable for his return.