Carolina Panthers: Three Ian Thomas facts to put fans’ minds at ease

Carolina Panthers rookie tight end Ian Thomas has been forced into action but there’s no need to panic.

Carolina Panthers veteran captain Greg Olsen made a second reception early in the season opener but stepped on the foot of an opposing defender. The 19-yard gain reminded fans of what the Panthers offense is capable of with a healthy Olsen, who missed nine games one year ago.

He exited the game favoring his foot and entered the tunnel only to emerge from the locker room in street clothes, wearing a walking boot over his previously surgically repaired foot, and under the aid of crutches.

Almost immediately everyone was reminded of having to play a majority of the year without one of the best tight ends in the league. Olsen had recently set a record for registering three consecutive 1,000 yard seasons before getting just 191 last season – a career low.

The Panthers drafted rookie tight end Ian Thomas, out of Indiana, in the fourth-round this past spring hoping he could develop under the veteran Olsen. That plan is now out the window and although coach Ron Rivera doesn’t like to put players in a position for which they’re not prepared, the time for Thomas is now.

Fortunately, there are a few different reasons why he will be successful this year.