Panthers CB Charles Tillman suffers torn ACL, will miss playoffs

The Panthers won't have Charles Tillman for the playoffs.

By John Breech

Jan 4, 2016 at 8:18 pm ET • 2 min read

For the second time in three weeks, Carolina has taken a major hit to its secondary. Panthers coach Ron Rivera revealed Monday that cornerback Charles Tillman is done for the season after tearing his ACL during Carolina's Week 17 win over the Buccaneers.

"It's too bad," Rivera said, via the Panthers official website. "The guy has done some good things for us."

Tillman had been dealing with an injury in his right knee for more than a month before tearing his ACL early in the second half of Carolina's 38-10 win. The original knee injury kept the 34-year-old out of four games this season, but he was able to finally return in Week 15.

The Tampa Bay game was Tillman's third game back since he originally injured the knee.

"He knew exactly what the risks were, but he wanted to play," Rivera said. "He's been a veteran leader and has really helped our guys out, and he's going to be around."

Tillman's injury means that the Panthers won't have two of their top three corners when they kick off the postseason Jan. 17. The Panthers will also be without Bene Benwikere, who was placed on injured reserve after breaking his leg during a Week 14 win over the Falcons.

The two injuries will mean that the Panthers will open up the postseason with two players in the secondary who weren't even on an NFL roster when the 2015 season began. Tillman's starting spot will likely be filled by Robert McClain, who just signed with the team on Dec. 15.

McClain recorded an interception against Tampa Bay and has impressed defensive coordinator Sean McDermott during his three short weeks with the team.

"He came in the last couple of weeks from his couch, but he kept himself ready. He was ready yesterday, too," McDermott said. "He knew the game plan and came in and executed the game plan and got a big interception that probably sealed the game."

Benewikere's nickel back spot will be filled by Cortland Finnegan, who's been on the team slightly longer than McClain. Finnegan was signed on Nov. 30.

Despite the injuries, Tillman doesn't want Panthers fans to worry about the team.

It's all good everybody. We're 15-1 and have a first round bye and home field through out the playoffs.
— Charles Tillman (@peanuttillman) January 4, 2016

Tillman will finish the 2015 season with two interceptions and two forced fumbles.