Panthers put Ryan Kalil on IR

Updated: October 10, 2012, 4:56 PM ET
By Pat Yasinskas | ESPN.com

Ryan Kalil, the Carolina Panthers' Pro Bowl center, who took out a full-page ad in The Charlotte Observer to promise fans a championship, won't be going to the Super Bowl.

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The team announced Wednesday afternoon that Kalil has been placed on injured reserve and will miss the rest of the season. Coach Ron Rivera told the media Kalil has a Lisfranc injury that will require surgery.

Kalil suffered the foot injury in Sunday's 16-12 loss to Seattle.

He went to see Dr. Robert Anderson on Tuesday, and it was determined he had a Lisfranc injury, having torn a ligament that supports the middle of his foot. He will have season-ending surgery Monday.

A first-round draft pick by the Panthers in 2007, Kalil has been to the past three Pro Bowls and is a key cog in Carolina's offense.

Rivera firmly endorsed Kalil's preseason Super Bowl prediction and even had shirts printed up for the players that read: "I've got Ryan Kalil's back."

The Panthers have a bye this week and will have to scramble to replace Kalil.

"He is most certainly one of the emotional leaders, and it's hard to replace those kind of guys," Rivera said. "The truth of the matter is it's time for us as a team to step up. This is another one of those things that's going to try us."

Rivera says Geoff Hangartner will move from right guard to center and either Garry Williams or Jeff Byers will play right guard.

The Panthers also may look to sign a center for depth.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Pat Yasinskas | email

NFL
  • ESPN NFC South Blogger
  • Joined ESPN in 2008
  • Began his journalism career with The Tampa Tribune in 1990

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