Panthers tight end Greg Olsen announced he has fractured the same foot that required surgery during the 2017 season. Thus, as was reported earlier Tuesday, the Pro Bowler will miss significant time.

“...we are optimistic this is not how my 2018 season will end. After consulting with our medical team, we have determined our best course of action is to press forward with my rehab in hopes of playing again this season. We will re-examine our options this offseason in regards to my foot and our path forward. I look forward to rejoining my teammates on the field as early as possible.”

Related players: Ian Thomas

Thomas will get the chance to replace Olsen starting Week 2. Olsen went on to say he's disappointed and prided himself on his ability to play every game for over a decade.

Panthers TE Greg Olsen re-fractured his right foot against Dallas.

Related players: Ian Thomas

Panthers trainer Ryan Vermillion said there are no plans for surgery at this time for Olsen and the team will monitor his rehab and evaluate his progress on a monthly basis. Owners in a pinch in deeper leagues can give Ian Thomas a shot. While the potential is certainly there, Thomas is a rookie and will come with risks for your lineup, but he appears to be the team's top TE with Olsen out.

First up will be rookie Ian Thomas, a fourth-round pick out of Indiana, and then there's former Canisius College basketball player Chris Manhertz, who came to Carolina two years ago as a project.

As we said yesterday in the Olsen injury post, we've heard good things about Thomas in the offseason and this story said he's made the transition to the NFL look simple. He's a smooth route runner and catcher and effective as a blocker. For those in deeper leagues who may not have many options, Thomas may certainly be worth a look.

Carolina Panthers Pro Bowl tight end Greg Olsen suffered a foot injury in the first quarter of Sunday's opener against Dallas and was ruled out for the rest of the game.

Olsen suffered a broken right foot in Week 2 against Buffalo a year ago and missed nine games after having surgery. He returned for the final five regular-season games and playoff loss to New Orleans.

Related players: Ian Thomas, Chris Manhertz

Olsen returned to the sideline in the second half on crutches with a walking boot on his right foot, the same one he injured a year ago. This obviously doesn't look good. The team is high on Thomas, as we reported earlier this summer, but obviously he's a rookie. He showed promise in camp but didn't get a lot of catches when at Indiana University.

The Panthers are beginning to feel like they have hit on something big with fourth-round draft pick Ian Thomas.

The rookie tight end has carried over an outstanding performance in training camp to the preseason, where he showed an impressive burst of speed on a 27-yard catch-and-run touchdown reception from Cam Newton, and delivered a powerful seal block that helped spring Christian McCaffrey for a 71-yard touchdown in Friday night’s preseason win over the Miami Dolphins.

Related players: Greg Olsen

After not getting a ton of receptions at Indiana, Carolina’s scouts became convinced Thomas has what it takes to be a playmaker and general manager Marty Hurney was sold on him as he studied more film. Olsen is still the guy in Carolina but after missing time last year the Panthers acquired a young player at the position who looks like he could eventually make an impact.