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closeCHARLOTTE -- The Carolina Panthers' thinnest position got thinner Sunday, when tests revealed wide receiver Jason Carter was lost to a season-ending knee injury.
According to sources with knowledge of the situation, Carter suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in Saturday's 47-3 win over Washington.
The 25-year-old Carter, one of the brightest spots of camp this year, was injured after a 30-yard punt return in the fourth quarter of the game. He hobbled over the sideline on his own and was walking without crutches after the game. But tests Sunday revealed the damage was more extensive than believed.
He was coming off perhaps his best day as a returner, averaging 13.3 yards on seven attempts.
Panthers general manager Marty Hurney didn't return phone messages Sunday.
Given the always uncertain status of D.J. Hackett (who could return to practice today), the Panthers are extremely short-handed there entering the regular season. Steve Smith will be suspended the first two weeks, and Ryne Robinson is still not recovered from his posterior cruciate/lateral collateral ligament strain from early in camp. He's not expected to be ready for the opener.
The could leave them with Muhsin Muhammad, Hackett and Dwayne Jarrett for the first two weeks, and opens the door for a roster spot for a young receiver such as Chris Hannon or Dominique Thompson or former first-rounder Travis Taylor. The Panthers are also expected to comb the waiver wires for return help, especially now that Carter's out of the mix.
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