Panthers Pro Bowl DL Derrick Brown Out for the Season After Knee Injury

The Carolina Panthers are facing a major setback as their Pro Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown has been ruled out for the remainder of the season following a knee injury. After suffering a meniscus tear during Sunday’s 47-10 loss to the New Orleans Saints, a second medical opinion confirmed the need for surgery, which means Brown’s season is unfortunately over.

Brown, who was rewarded with a four-year, $96 million extension earlier this year, had an outstanding 2023 season, recording 103 tackles, the most ever by an NFL defensive lineman in a single season. This injury will leave a significant void in the Panthers’ defense as Brown played 89.1% of the team's defensive snaps last year and was crucial to Carolina’s defense, contributing to 12.4% of the team’s total tackles.

With Brown sidelined, the Panthers will look to second-year player LaBryan Ray, Nick Thurman, and Jayden Peevy to fill the gap. General Manager Dan Morgan might also explore other options to bolster a position already thin on depth.

Additionally, the Panthers are expected to add outside linebacker Charles Harris to help boost the pass rush, which has struggled recently. Harris, who had 7.5 sacks in 2021 under Carolina defensive line coach Todd Wash in Detroit, will provide much-needed reinforcement.