EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Greg Olsen made his long-awaited return Sunday against the Jets, but his day ended early.
The Pro Bowl tight end experienced soreness in his surgically repaired foot and he shut it down early in the second half.
"I felt good. Just got a little sore there, a little flared up," Olsen said. "I went back out and played a little bit, and then we just thought it would be best to live to play another day."
Olsen, who finished with one catch for 10 yards on four targets, unofficially played 21 of 39 snaps through the first drive of the third quarter. He was on the field for one play on that series before calling it a day.
While disappointed, Olsen downplayed the idea this could be a significant setback, and head coach Ron Rivera echoed that sentiment. Olsen went into Sunday's game figuring this would be a gradual process to get back to full speed.
"I think I'll be alright. We'll regroup tomorrow and see where we're at," Olsen said. "Just wasn't quite where we needed it to be to play in the NFL. Hopefully it's better next week."
Images from Carolina's Week 12 victory at New York.
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) scrambles as New York Jets inside linebacker Darron Lee (58) rushes in during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets fullback Lawrence Thomas, right, runs with the ball as Carolina Panthers cornerback Daryl Worley climbs on him for the tackle during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, center, is hit by New York Jets defensive end Leonard Williams, right, and cornerback Buster Skrine during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) runs for a touchdown against the New York Jets during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Carolina Panthers' Fozzy Whittaker leaps over New York Jets' Darryl Roberts while returning the opening kickoff during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates after scoring on a touchdown run against the New York Jets during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart, top, dives over players in an attempt to score against the New York Jets during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) stands in the end zone after scoring on a touchdown run against the New York Jets during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Jets quarterback Josh McCown, right, prepares to launch a long pass to wide receiver Robby Anderson as they connect for a 54-yard touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. Panthers outside linebacker Thomas Davis (58) defends on the play. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) runs in for a touchdown against the New York Jets during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Jets quarterback Josh McCown (15) throws a pass as Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Thomas Davis (58) adds pressure during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets quarterback Josh McCown (15) fumbles the ball as Carolina Panthers defensive end Wes Horton (96) applies pressure during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Carolina Panthers' Kaelin Clay (12) returns a New York Jets punt for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) returns a fumble for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
