Falcons to face Panthers without receiver Benjamin

Atlanta’s Julio Jones (right) stiff-arms Carolina’s Kurt Coleman during last year’s game in Charlotte, N.C.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Panthers never informed quarterback Cam Newton of their intentions to trade away his No. 1 receiver and closest friend on the team before making the move.

Newton discovered Kelvin Benjamin was sent packing to Buffalo the same time most people did — after it happened.

The 2015 league MVP didn’t exactly appear overjoyed by the trade at his news conference this week. But he didn’t criticize the move, either. Instead he tried turning the attention toward the future, saying the Panthers now have to “move on,” beginning today when they host the Atlanta Falcons.

“Think Atlanta cares about that? Know what I’m saying?” Newton said of trade. “My feelings aren’t relevant. We got one job to do and that’s win football games. And I’m up to that task.”

The Panthers had better hope Newton doesn’t let any sour feelings linger.

The Saints (5-2), Panthers (5-3) and Falcons (4-3) are bunched together in the NFC South standings. Every game is important, particularly division ones, from here on out.

Either rookie Curtis Samuel or Russell Shepard is expected to start opposite Devin Funchess, coach Ron Rivera said. Kaelin Clay will also see action. It will be at least two more games before Pro Bowl tight Greg Olsen returns from injured reserve and is ready to play, so the Panthers have to deal with what they have for now.

Rookie running back Christian McCaffrey currently leads the Panthers in receptions.

“They’ll probably give (Samuel) more touches and probably use McCaffrey more as well in the pass game,” Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant said. “Whatever they do, we’ll be ready, we’ll be prepared.” File, Mike McCarn / AP