Carolina Panthers defensive lineman Derrick Brown suffered a potentially season-ending knee injury Sunday, sources told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
Brown's timeline will be determined after he undergoes meniscus surgery, Pelissero adds.
Brown played 91% of the team's defensive snaps in the 47-10 defeat to the New Orleans Saints, totaling three tackles. Carolina's defense allowed 379 yards and 22 first downs.
The 26-year-old became one of the league's highest-paid interior defensive linemen after signing a four-year, $96-million extension this offseason. He earned Pro Bowl honors in 2023, racking up 103 tackles, 15 quarterback hits, and two sacks.
Shy Tuttle, Nick Thurman, A'Shawn Robinson, and Jayden Peevy fill out the Panthers' defensive line depth chart.
Brown was selected No. 7 overall in the 2020 draft out of Auburn. He has 248 tackles, 48 quarterback hits, and eight sacks in 67 career games.
