Panthers Pro Bowl DT Jenkins has torn ACLAssociated Press


CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina defensive tackle Kris Jenkins is out for the rest of the season after injuring his knee in the Panthers' loss to the New Orleans Saints.

Jenkins, a 2003 All-Pro, tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, the Panthers said Monday.

Jenkins was injured when he broke through the line and tried to tackle Deuce McAllister in the backfield in the first quarter. He left but returned briefly in the third quarter, only to have to be helped off the field again.

Carolina coach John Fox said it wasn't clear if Jenkins tore the ligament in his knee on the first injury or the second.

The two-time Pro Bowler also missed 12 games last season with a shoulder injury, but declared himself fit last week and ready to return as the NFL's top defensive tackle.

Instead, he'll be sidelined again, creating a gaping hole on Carolina's vaunted defensive line. Jenkins' absence allows teams to increase their coverage on All-Pro defensive end Julius Peppers and severely hurts the Panthers' run defense.

Kindal Moorehead replaced Jenkins most of last season, but was inactive for Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Saints. When Jenkins was injured in the first quarter, the Panthers only had second-year player Jordan Carstens to fill in. Backup defensive end Al Wallace was sporadically used inside.

Jenkins was a late arrival to Bank of America Stadium on Monday, riding in just before noon on the back of a golf cart with a pair of crutches at his side. He smiled and flashed the peace sign, but said nothing.