Kelvin Benjamin did not practice today
Carolina Panthers No. 1 wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin didn’t suffer any known injuries in Sunday’s tie against the Cincinnati Bengals, but he did leave the game at one point before returning, as he took a shot from Bengals star outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict. Benjamin is a huge key to victory for the Panthers as the team’s “X” receiver, especially since the team’s Week 7 opponent, the Green Bay Packers, boasts a talented secondary with the likes of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Tramon Williams, and Sam Shields.
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Neither Williams nor Shields practiced for the Packers today, but the bad news is that Benjamin wasn’t spotted either. According to the Charlotte Observer’s Joe Person, reporters couldn’t spot the Florida State product during the media access portion of Panthers practice today, so this is a situation worth monitoring. Benjamin probably didn’t suffer any injuries, and the Panthers are a cautious organization, especially with a first-round rookie and No. 1 wide receiver; we’ll have to wait and see.
Benjamin has caught 31 passes for 416 yards and four touchdowns this season, and he’s been the fantasy monster most people have expected. The inconsistent drops and route-running have, of course, been there, but the explosive plays, upside, playmaking ability, and general display of “X” receiver quality have more than made up for those expected hitches. He hasn’t been outstanding, but he’s definitely been a significant positive for the Panthers.