Another year, another season marred with injuries. The Carolina Panthers lose another starter to injury today as Sherrod Martin will likely be placed on season-ending injured reserve with ACL and MCL injuries -- head coach Ron Rivera revealed today. It gets worse, however, as Carolina are also waiting to hear about Brandon LaFell, who had an MRI on his foot following yesterday's game.

The free safety spot has been an ongoing issue for the Panthers. Free agent signing Haruki Nakamura has proved unreliable playing the pass, while Sherrod Martin is a liability against the run. In recent weeks the Panthers have leaned on Martin to stop the big play, and have had some success since making the switch at the position. Nakamura will be re-inserted into the lineup, just in time to face the Atlanta Falcons; a team he infamously struggled against, allowing the Falcons to win a close game.

Brandon LaFell injured his foot on the play before his deep drop yesterday -- at least that's what the Panthers think. They await news on the MRI, and until that point we'll see if his status changes over the upcoming days.