The Panthers were dealt a significant blow in yesterday’s win over the Patriots when safety Kurt Coleman had to leave the game in the first half after hurting his knee. Now, the news is even worse. According to a report by Max Henson, Coleman suffered a sprained MCL and will have to miss at least a month to recover.

Demetrious Cox replaced Coleman in the game yesterday but suffered an ankle injury himself which forced the team to turn to the services of Colin Jones in the 4th quarter when the Patriots were trying to come back from a 14-point deficit. If Cox is unable to play this week the Panthers will likely have to make a roster move so Jones and Mike Adams aren’t the only two safeties on the roster. If that happens, Dezmen Southward is available on the practice squad.

This isn’t good, folks. Kurt Coleman was the one player the Panthers couldn’t afford to lose in the secondary due to the lack of depth behind him. So of course he’s the one who goes down with a month-long injury, right? Hopefully the Panthers can weather this storm and come through the other side unscathed.

In case you’re wondering, here are the next five games on the Panthers’ schedule:

10/8 - at Detroit

10/12 - vs Philadelphia (TNF)

10/22 - at Chicago

10/29 - at Tampa Bay

11/5 - vs Atlanta

Here’s hoping Coleman can recover faster than expected and be back on the field before that November 5 game against the Falcons. We’re gonna need all the help we can get in the secondary for that one.

Stay tuned to CSR for updates to Coleman’s status, as we’ll provide them when they’re available.