Panthers WR Kelvin Benjamin Suffers Torn ACL During Practice With Miami Dolphins

After leaving practice on Wednesday with a sprained knee, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin will not be able to play for the entire season after it was found that he needs surgery for a torn left ACL.

According to NFL.com, the fears of the Panthers became real as Benjamin was not suffering only from a simple sprain.

The injury sustained during a joint practice with the Miami Dolphins happened when the wide receiver tried to make a "swim move," according to CBS Sports.

"So it was unfortunate. It's one of those things it could have happened in any drill. Unfortunately, it just happened then," Panthers coach Ron Rivera told CBS Sports.

When he underwent an MRI scan in Charlotte, NC, it was found out that Benjamin sustained a tear.

"Obviously, we feel awful for Kelvin. He's worked tremendously hard to put himself in a position to have a strong year. We're confident he will attack his surgery and rehab with the same determination he has met all challenges before," team general manager Dave Gettleman said.

His absence for the rest of the season will be "devastating" to the team since he is a vital part of the Panthers.

Meanwhile, ESPN reported that the team will be playing for this season without their No.1 receiver.

"Benjamin, who is 6 feet 5, caught 73 passes for 1,008 yards and nine touchdowns during the 2014 season after Carolina selected him with the 28th pick of the draft," added ESPN.

This record Exceeded expectations of the team whILE he was still a rookie.

NFL.com also reported that Benjamin was a perfect fit for quarterback Cam Newton.

"Benjamin's 6-foot-5, 240-frame offered a huge strike zone that was perfectly suited for Newton's skill set as an inconsistent passer who tends to be wild high when he's off the mark," added the same report.

The wide receiver also joined great players in the team to make their play better like pass rusher Charles Johnson and linebackers Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis.

With his absence, ESPN said the team can bring in rookie Devin Funchess who is a 6-foot-4, 225-pound receiver drafted this year from Michigan.

However, Funchess had a hamstring injury and is not expected to return for the practice on Thursday.

The Panthers are clearly hoping that the remaining players can work their magic without Benjamin's talent and using only the skills they still have on the roster.