Panthers OLB Patrick Jones Out For Season

One key piece to the Panthers’ reshaped outside linebacker puzzle will not factor into their rest-of-season equation. The back injury Patrick Jones is battling will put him on the shelf the rest of the way.

Dave Canales confirmed Wednesday (via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport) Jones will need season-ending surgery to address the issue. Signed to a two-year deal this offseason, Jones has started in all four games he has played as a Panther.

After making a modest effort to fill the void the Brian Burns trade created, the Panthers signed Jones and used Day 2 picks on Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen. The team then cut Jadeveon Clowney, clearing the road for Jones and the rookies. Jones has one sack and two QB hits through four games, missing two already. These will be his year-end totals.

More to come.