Panthers lose Samuel for season

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Carolina rookie wide receiver Curtis Samuel is done for the year. The Panthers announced Tuesday that he will undergo season-ending surgery on his left ankle and will be placed on injured reserve.

That means Carolina (7-3) will be looking for a new starting wide receiver heading into the bye week.

Samuel injured his ankle in the third quarter of Carolina’s 45-21 win over the Miami Dolphins on Monday when a defensive player rolled over his ankle in the end zone. The team didn’t release the specific injury to Samuel’s ankle.

Panthers offensive coordinator Mike Shula wouldn’t say who would replace Samuel in the starting lineup.

“It’s probably going to be by committee,” Shula added.

Russell Shepard would be one likely candidate to replace Samuel, but Kaelin Clay and Brenton Bersin could also see increased action.

The Panthers are also expected to get three-time Pro Bowl tight end Greg Olsen back after the bye week. Olsen has been on injured reserve with a foot injury.