Bob Leverone/Associated Press

The Carolina Panthers picked up a critical 27-22 division win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 3, but they lost star defensive end Charles Johnson to a hamstring injury in the fourth quarter.

Continue for updates.

Johnson Eligible to Return in Week 12

Tuesday, Sept. 29

Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer reported Johnson will miss eight weeks, while Johnson took to Instagram, per Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer, to announce the team has placed him on injured reserve.

How Johnson's Likely Absence Will Impact Panthers

Sunday, Sept. 27

This is Johnson’s ninth season in the league and with the Panthers. He is a monster on the defensive line with 63.5 career sacks and three different years with at least 11 sacks, per Pro-Football-Reference.com. This is an even bigger blow because Carolina is already without star linebacker Luke Kuechly, who suffered a concussion.

The combination of Johnson and Kuechly is a major reason the Panthers won the past two NFC South crowns on the back of a stifling defense. They finished second in 2013 and 10th in 2014 in total defense and rely on Johnson to create havoc in the backfield.

Others will have to step up in his absence, and Wes Horton, Mario Addison and Kony Ealy are the main candidates.

Ealy is typically a starter but was benched at the beginning of Sunday’s contest for disciplinary reasons, per Person. Horton started in his place and will likely see the field even more until Johnson is ready to play.