The Carolina Panthers have been relatively fortunate on the injury front during the 2015 regular season. Then Sunday happened.
They were cruising along up 21-0 in the second quarter when DB Colin Jones was the first to come off. Then it was QB Cam Newton. Then TE Greg Olsen. And it didn't stop.
While only one of the nine injuries appeared to be serious, that one is a big loss in an important spot.
SEASON-ENDING
DB Bené Benwikere (leg): Fractured his left leg early in the fourth quarter, leaving the Panthers' secondary even thinner.
LOOKED WORSE THAN IT WAS
TE Greg Olsen (knee): What was Newton thinking when Olsen went down and stayed down late in the first half?
"What y'all were thinking."
While the Carolinas collectively held their breath, Olsen eventually popped up and limped off the field. He didn't return, even though he said he could have.
"I wanted to play, but I understand the big picture," Olsen said. "If it was anybody else, I would have told them not to play either. You just don't like it when they're telling you that."
SCARES TO OTHER STARS
QB Cam Newton (hand): According to coach Ron Rivera, Newton hit his left hand on his own helmet late in the first half. Newton missed one play before returning. His biggest concern? That a numb hand would make him leave the shotgun:
"I haven’t had that feeling before and heaven forbid if I had to take a snap underneath."
RB Jonathan Stewart (foot): Limited to a season-low 10 carries after suffering what FOX sideline reporter Pam Oliver reported was a sprained foot. But according to Rivera:
"Jonathan is fine. He could have easily played, but we elected to not throw Jonathan back out there."
LB Luke Kuechly (ankle): Came off the field briefly in the second half to get a new tape job. While he was out, backup A.J. Klein forced a Falcons' fumble.
THE LIST GOES ON
LB David Mayo (hamstring): Ruled out early in the third after he was injured on special teams.
LB Ben Jacobs (unknown): Slow to get up late in the fourth quarter. The team never announced what he injured.
DB Colin Jones (groin): Injured in the second quarter while playing special teams.
K Graham Gano (head): Was tested for a concussion after tackling Falcons' returner Devin Hester on the opening kickoff of the second half. Gano was cleared and continued kicking.