Kelvin Benjamin heads a wide receiver depth chart for the Carolina Panthers that one would be hard-pressed to suggest is anything more than adequate.
Beyond the big-bodied wideout, little in the way of impact seems to currently exist on the Panthers roster. Jerricho Cotchery is a steady veteran. Ted Ginn is a quality return man and part-time field stretcher. Devin Funchess has all the talent in the world, but needs quite a bit of polish before he's able to make a name for himself in the NFL.
In short, without Benjamin, who is currently nursing his second hamstring injury since OTAs began, the Panthers receiver corps suddenly looks very, very thin. That's why it's likely to be particularly troubling for fans of the team to hear the recent report that Benjamin may not have stayed on top of his workout regimen in the offseason.
"Benjamin said the injury to his right hamstring will likely keep him out of Thursday's final minicamp practice, and Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera believes the hamstring issues could be related to Benjamin showing up to OTAs (organized team activities) overweight," reports Jonathan Jones of The Charlotte Observer.
"According to a team source, Benjamin, who played last season at 245 pounds, showed up to offseason workouts eight to nine pounds overweight."
Benjamin was certainly able to thrive during his rookie season to the tune of , thanks in large part to his physical dimensions and his ability to overpower smaller defensive backs.
That being said, it certainly doesn't seem necessary for him to pack on any more pounds - whether purposefully or not - especially if those added pounds are contributing to him missing crucial offseason work.
"It could be as simple as weight," Rivera said, alluding to Benjamin's two hamstring injuries in less than a week.
"He did come in a little heavy and he had to work himself into shape. Or diet or something. We're going to take a look at it and make sure it's not a chronic issue with him. He's too good a football player to have on the sideline."
As Jones notes, Benjamin has a history of showing up overweight. His first year at Florida State, he was almost 20-pounds overweight, forcing Seminoles coaches to redshirt him.
With Benjamin likely out until training camp, he and quarterback Cam Newton will have significantly less time to further develop their on-field rapport. Benjamin, for his part, sounds like a guy who knows he's disappointing both his fans and coaches, but is confident he'll still make a major impact next year.
"I want to get back out there so bad and be with the guys, but everybody tells me be patient, be patient. Everything happens for a reason," Benjamin said. "I'm missing the time with (quarterback) Cam (Newton), but we'll pick it up quick."
