Jon Beason Lost for the Season

Panthers middle linebacker Jon Beason will have season-ending surgery this week to repair a torn Achilles, Panthers coach Ron Rivera announced this afternoon.

Beason injured his left Achilles on Sunday running after Cardinals TE Jeff King on a 48-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter of Arizona's 28-21 victory.

Beason had surgery Aug. 22 on the same foot for a bone bruise that was originally diagnosed as Achilles tendinitis. Rivera said he did not think the injury was related to the surgery, but he did not know for certain.

Doctors predicted Beason would need three or four weeks to recover from the surgery. He came back in less than three weeks to make his 65th consecutive start in the opener at Arizona.

Beason, who has been to the Pro Bowl three consecutive years, did not miss a start in his first four seasons.

"I've got to give Jon credit. He was going 100 miles an hour when he went down," Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott said. "It's just a shame thing. It's a freak thing. He's a warrior and I'll take those guys seven days a week."

Linebacker is the Panthers' deepest position on defense. Dan Connor, who started the first eight games at middle linebacker in 2010, replaced Beason and finished with six tackles in just 18 snaps.

Connor is a run-stopper who is a liability in coverage. The Panthers also have Omar Gaither, who started 36 games in five seasons with Philadelphia. Beason had started 65 straight games.

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(charlotteobserver.com)