Panthers lose key pickup Dyson to Achilles' injury

The Carolina Panthers have been hit hard by a fluke offseason workout injury. Coach John Fox told SportsLine.com that wide receiver Kevin Dyson tore his left Achilles' tendon Wednesday morning.

Dyson, a former Titans first-round pick, was one of the Panthers key free-agent acquisitions this offseason.

"We're still assessing the injury and hoping to have him back in November," Fox said.

A torn Achilles' is usually a season-ending injury, and the Panthers are planning on putting Dyson on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. In reality, Dyson will need a strong comeback to return this year.

The 6-foot-1, 208-pound Dyson was part of an offseason overhaul of a Panthers offense that finished next-to-last in the league in total yards and third from last in points scored.

Wide receivers Ricky Proehl and Dyson, running back Stephen Davis, quarterback Jake Delhomme and offensive lineman Doug Brzezinski all were signed to help the team improve on its 7-9 record last season.

The Associated Press contributed to this report