If you were taken off guard by the Panthers roster move earlier today so was I. I think the Panthers kept the severity of Johnsons injury under wraps until they could locate a replacement. It seems I recall him going out against the Dolphins but never heard anything else about it.
The Panthers filled his roster spot with LB Jordan Senn, formerly with the Colts. We can feel safe to assume Ron Meeks had some influence here.
Senn adds depth at linebacker but also provides a needed body on special teams. He played with Indianapolis as an undrafted rookie in 2008 and was released before the start of this season. Senn was later re-signed and played in two games before being released again.
I love the thought of some help on special teams. Doesn't seem he could be any worse. I'll see if I can get us some feedback from the Colts blog.
So Landon Johnson' misfortune now gives LB James Anderson an golden opportunity. Anderson played very well in the preseason, playing fast and instinctive. I'm 90% confident he will play as well if not better than Landon Johnson. So don't fret Panther fans. Though it always sucks to lose a player for the season (for the player too) I think once again the Panthers have the depth to withstand a big letdown.
Update by Jaxon Wed 9:38am:
Here's so info the guys over at Stampede Blue were kind enough to provide about Senn:
He was a backup WILL and special teamer
racked up a lot of tackles whenever he got PT, but they always seemed to be either in pursuit or with him getting knocked back. Last year he played (as an injury fill in) in front of Phil Wheeler who is in the starting lineup now.
He was cut because the Colts had 4 LBs with starting experience in the system, another who was expected to step into a starting role this year and the 6th LB spot went to the best STer, which was apparently Ramon Humber instead of Senn.
You can read the rest of the comments here but it would appear this guy was brought in for Special Team play mostly.