The Panthers signed tight end Chris Manhertz to a two-year contract Tuesday, according to his agent, Sean Stellato, via Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Manhertz, 26, was set to become a restricted free agent in March.

He has played in all 32 games for the Panthers over the past two seasons, catching four passes for 69 yards and a touchdown.

The Carolina Panthers' treacherous trek to a potential postseason berth will have to be made without Greg Olsen on the field.

The veteran tight end said he suffered a ruptured plantar fascia during the Panthers' 24-17 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. The injury brings Olsen's year to a premature end after a fracture in the same foot kept him out for three games earlier this season.

Related players: Chris Manhertz, Ian Thomas

Olsen's injury immediately robs the Panthers of one of their most valuable weapons on offense. It's also fair to wonder what might be next for the 33-year-old beyond this season, the story went on to say. Injuries to the same foot have limited the three-time Pro Bowler to 15 games over the last two seasons.

Tight end Greg Olsen won't return to Sunday's game against the Buccaneers because of a foot injury.

Related players: Chris Manhertz, Ian Thomas

Olsen injured his right foot early in the second quarter - the same foot that sidelined him earlier this season and much of last season. Right after a snap, Olsen pulled up without making any contact with another player and hobbled toward the Panthers sideline before going to the ground. He was carted off the field soon after and ruled out for the rest of the game very soon after.

Manhertz and Thomas will handle TE duties at least for the remainder of this game. Thomas of course took over for Olsen when he was out with a foot injury earlier this season but was unimpressive in terms of fantasy production.