NFC South: Injuries starting to mount around the division

Kelvin Benjamin, WR Carolina Panthers

Jan 3, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) walks onto the field before the 2014 NFC Wild Card playoff football game against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Kelvin Benjamin and the Carolina Panthers received devastating news on Wednesday afternoon. Benjamin will miss the entire 2015 NFL season after tearing his ACL in Panthers practice. Benjamin led the Panthers in receiving yards as a rookie in 2014 and was the unquestioned leader in a group that isn’t very deep.

Losing Benjamin will prove to be very costly for a team that already struggles to compete passes. The team will now rely on rookie Devin Funchess to lead the team while veteran tight end Greg Olsen will likely become Cam Newton’s number one target in 2015. The loss of Benjamin could cost the team a few wins in 2015 in a division that is already projected to be very close.