Panthers fear LB Beason tore his Achilles tendon, out for the year

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Carolina Panthers fear that three-time Pro Bowl linebacker Jon Beason has torn his left Achilles tendon and is out for the year, two sources confirmed.

The Panthers didn’t want to make any announcement until they have a chance to see an MRI and confirm the injury.

After the game, coach Ron Rivera wouldn’t talk about the specific nature of the injury, but several players talked about the significance of the injury. It happened while Beason was covering former Panthers tight end Jeff King, who scored on a 55-yard touchdown after Beason fell down. Beason was carted to the locker room and the Cardinals went on to win the game 28-21 at University of Phoenix Stadium.

“I’m just happy and honored to be on this team because we had guys out there that were blowing out tires to fight,” wide receiver Steve Smith said of Beason. “It doesn’t get any better than that. You don’t get guys in the locker room like that. It rarely comes and when you have a guy who does that you surely miss him, but he’s admirable for his effort and I’m honored and pleased to be his teammate.”

Added linebacker Thomas Davis: “The thing that Jon did so well is he was a great leader for our team. So we’ll find out what it is and hopefully we can get him back soon.”

It’s the same leg that has given Beason fits throughout the last several months.

It was originally diagnosed as Achilles tendinitis, but Beason said an MRI later revealed he had inflammation in the bone. He had three screws inserted in his foot and was told he would need to be out three to four weeks. Beason came back in less than three weeks to play in Sunday’s game against Arizona.

At any rate, it’s pretty clear Beason’s streak of 65 straight starts is over.

Beason just signed a five-year contract extension with the Panthers worth more than $50 million.

Click here to order Jon Beason’s proCane Rookie Card.


(carolinagrowl.com)