Kelvin Benjamin diagnosed with torn ACL

The Carolina Panthers were dealt a devastating blow on Wednesday morning when star second-year receiver Kelvin Benjamin went down to the turf, clutching his knee. Benjamin was originally diagnosed with a sprained knee, but Ian Rapoport of NFL Network has confirmed that an MRI revealed a season-ending torn ACL.

Benjamin is the only real weapon on Carolina’s offense. DeAngelo Williams was allowed to walk in free agency, signing to be a reserve with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Benjamin came on strong after being a first-round pick out of Florida State University in 2014, catching 73 passes for 1,008 yards and nine touchdowns.

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With Benjamin out of commission for the year, the Panthers are now relying on second-round pick Devin Funchess along with veterans Ted Ginn Jr. and Jerricho Cotchery. Last year, Ginn caught 14 passes for 190 yards with the Arizona Cardinals while Cotchery, in Carolina, hauled in 48 passes for 580 yards. The Panthers might be without Funchess for a spell after the rookie pulled him hamstring minutes after Benjamin tore his ACL.

Without Benjamin, Cam Newton will need to start becoming an accurate quarterback. Newton received an $103.8 million contract extension over five years this offseason, but has yet to show the traits of a franchise player. Last year, Newton threw for 3,127 yards but more critically, completed just 58.5 percent of his passes.