Charles Tillman Injury: Updates on Panthers CB's Knee and Return

Carolina Panthers cornerback Charles Tillman suffered a torn ACL that will require surgery in Week 17 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and will miss the playoffs.

Continue for updates.   

---

Tillman Comments on Surgery, NFL Future

Monday, Jan. 11

Charles Tillman told reporters he will undergo surgery on his torn ACL on Wednesday, adding that he hasn't decided if he will return next season.

Tillman said he will "attack" his rehab and make a decision after that.

---

Tillman Placed on Injured Reserve

Tuesday, Jan. 5

The Panthers announced the roster move, promoting cornerback Lou Young to the main roster from the practice quad.

---

Tillman's MRI Reveals Torn ACL

Monday, Jan. 4

Head coach Ron Rivera told reporters the diagnosis, confirming it will end his season. Black and Blue Review noted that Tillman came back three weeks ago on a partially torn ACL, knowing he could potentially worsen the injury.

---

Panthers Have Depth to Manage in Tillman's Absence

It looked like Tillman's career was coming to an end because of injuries. He played just 10 games combined in 2013-14 with the Chicago Bears due to a right triceps tear. 

The 34-year-old received a one-year deal from Carolina in the offseason and rediscovered some of his past glory, starting each of the Panthers' first nine games. He did get dinged up midway through the year, battling a knee injury prior to Week 11 that left him doubtful. 

The Panthers are so strong at all three levels on defense that losing Tillman hurts them less than it would an average team.

Josh Norman has developed into Carolina's No. 1 cornerback, and Kurt Coleman is an excellent coverage safety. Bene Benwikere would have been a reliable backup defensive back to slide into Tillman's spot while the veteran recovers, but he suffered a broken leg on Dec. 13 against the Atlanta Falcons.