National Football League

Panthers LB Williams out Sunday vs. Falcons

Published Dec. 11, 2010 5:15 p.m. ET

foxsports

Panthers starting weakside linebacker Jason Williams has been ruled out of Carolina's game against Atlanta with a knee injury, further depleting a thin unit.

Williams moved into the starting lineup two games ago following a number of injuries. After practicing in full Thursday, he apparently suffered a setback on Friday when he was listed as limited. The Panthers on Saturday moved him from questionable to out on the injury report.

Williams' backup, Nic Harris, also is out with a head injury. That leaves Jordan Senn and Abdul Hodge candidates to start Sunday.

Starting middle linebacker Jon Beason is also questionable with a sore knee. He practiced on a limited basis Friday.