Panthers' Benjamin expected to play vs. Patriots

Carolina Panthers receiver Kelvin Benjamin is expected to play Sunday against the New England Patriots, head coach Ron Rivera said Thursday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Benjamin suffered a knee injury last weekend against the New Orleans Saints, but Rivera noted earlier in the week that he'd avoided any structural damage.

There was initially some concern over the ailment, as the 26-year-old missed all of 2015 with an ACL injury in the same knee.

Benjamin has struggled out of the gates in 2017, making just nine receptions thus far.