Carolina Panthers: Top takeaways from win over Dallas Cowboys
![CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 09: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 09: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/7d3d6811332246560fc2a5ace77b400c30c1d065fc70f444cf723e6fc95bf871.jpg)
Panthers hit hard with injuries
While the Panthers did win the game, the biggest storyline coming out of this game will be the injuries. In the first half, the team saw Greg Olsen head to the locker room with a foot injury.
This was the same foot that he broke last year in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills. He did return to the sideline in the second half but was on crutches and had a boot on his right foot.
Then in the second half, right tackle Daryl Williams suffered an injury to the same knee that he tore his MCL and patella in the early part of training camp. The team had to bring the cart out for the right tackle and certainly has to be a concern. The Panthers had Amini Silatolu step in at right tackle in place of Williams.
In the final minutes of the fourth quarter it was middle linebacker Luke Kuechly, who had to walk off the field with what appeared to be a leg injury. However, he was able to return for the final drive and looks to have dodged a serious injury.
The injuries to Olsen and Williams look to be severe and means they will be forced to miss extended playing time. This will likely mean increased opportunities for Ian Thomas at tight end and Amini Silatolu at right tackle.