The Carolina Panthers, amidst the shambles of a disastrous regular-season opener, will have to continue to find out exactly who they are. And unfortunately, they'll have to do it without their best player.

As announced this afternoon, the team has officially placed defensive lineman Derrick Brown on injured reserve. The fifth-year defender, who will now miss the remainder of the 2024 campaign, sustained a knee injury during Carolina's 47-10 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

Head coach Dave Canales, who told reporters on Monday that the setback is likely a torn meniscus, talked about the void that'll be left behind by Brown.

“Yeah, definitely a huge loss,” Canales said. “He’s one of our best players. That’s big shoes to fill. But at the same time—we get players in there, I want them to know and be encouraged. Like, if you go in there and you play with great technique and you just do your job, we don’t need you to make the special plays that Derrick makes. Just do your job.”

Brown set a new NFL single-season record in 2023 for most tackles by a defensive lineman (103). His efforts earned him his first career Pro Bowl selection.

Related

Panthers reportedly signing RB Mike Boone to active roster

Where do the Panthers stand in NFL power rankings heading into Week 2?

Panthers HC Dave Canales asked if he regrets not playing starters more during preseason

This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers place DL Derrick Brown on season-ending injured reserve