Carolina Panthers

Panthers lose starting CB Charles Tillman to torn ACL

Published Jan. 4, 2016 3:41 p.m. ET

foxsports

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Panthers coach Ron Rivera says starting cornerback Charles Tillman will miss the playoffs with a torn ACL in his right knee.

Tillman sustained the injury in the third quarter of Carolina's 38-10 win over Tampa Bay on Sunday. Tillman had missed four games earlier this year with an injury to the same knee.

He becomes the second cornerback the Panthers have lost to a season-ending injury down the stretch run. Nickel back Bene Benwikere broke a bone in his leg in December.

Robert McClain, who joined the team after Benwikere's injury and has played in three games, will start the team's NFC Divisional Playoff game on Dec. 17.

Tillman had started 12 games for top-seeded Carolina and had 55 tackles, seven pass breakups, two interceptions and two forced fumbles.

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