Panthers offense already thinned by spate of injuries

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is in his hometown of Atlanta today without his favorite target Greg Olsen and potentially three starting offensive linemen.

That might concern some QBs, but the league’s 2015 MVP is taking it stride.

“My question back to you is, does it really matter?” Newton said matter-of-factly. “If it is concerning I still have to do something; if it’s not concerning I still have to do whatever I’ve got to do anyway. In the history of the National Football League, I don’t think there have been 32 teams that have not had injuries. It’s an unforgiving game and you have to roll with the punches and make due with whatever hand you’re given.”

The Panthers will be replacing Olsen, a three- time 1,000-yard receiver, for the second straight year after he re-broke his foot in a 16-8 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

However, the Panthers have enough faith in rookie Ian Thomas and backup Chris Manhertz — who have caught five NFL passes between them — that they decided against signing a free-agent tight end.

Newton understands why, saying Thomas has the poten- tial to be a “premiere tight end” in the NFL.

“His expectations are high and I talked to him and told him today, ‘Listen, you don’t have any room for error,’” Newton said. “We know who you are replacing — and the shoes you are filling are extremely big. But I wouldn’t be wasting my time though (talking about him) if I didn’t believe in his skill set.”

The reality is replacing Olsen maybe be far less concerning than finding enough suitable bodies to protect their franchise quarterback.

Carolina is deeper than they have been in years at wide receiver with the likes of Devin Funchess, Torrey Smith, Jarius Wright and rookie D.J. Moore, as well as running back Christian McCaffrey coming out of the backfield — so there are plenty of options in the passing game.