Panthers get a huge boost, activate tight end Greg Olsen off IR

Frank Schwab
·NFL writer

The Carolina Panthers are adding a star player back to the lineup, just at the right time.

Tight end Greg Olsen, out since Week 2 because of a broken foot, will be activated from injured reserve according to Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer. Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Olsen will be used “judiciously” on Sunday against the New York Jets.

It’s a huge boost for the Panthers, who are 7-3 and a game behind the New Orleans Saints for first place in the NFC South. The Panthers play at the Saints next week, and Olsen should be able to handle more snaps for that game after returning this week.

Olsen’s importance to the offense can’t be overstated. He has three straight 1,000-yard seasons. He’s the first tight end in NFL history to post three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. The Panthers need some targets for Cam Newton, considering they traded Kelvin Benjamin and rookie receiver Curtis Samuel will go to injured reserve with an ankle injury. Samuel will be put on IR to clear up a roster spot for Olsen.

The Panthers did well with Olsen out, establishing themselves as a contender in the NFC. They become even more dangerous with one of their best players back in the lineup.

Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen will return for this week's game against the Jets. (AP)
Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen will return for this week’s game against the Jets. (AP)

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Frank Schwab is the editor of Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdown.corner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!