The Carolina Panthers will be without one of their key defensive players for Saturday's Divisional round showdown against the Seattle Seahawks. Defensive tackle Star Lotulelei was not on the field during the portion of Wednesday's practice that was open to the media, and NFL Media's Ian Rapoport first reported that he had a fractured foot. Ron Rivera later confirmed the injury to reporters and said that Lotulelei will miss this weekend's game but that he could return in time for the Super Bowl if the Panthers make it that far.
Star Lotulelei out vs. Seahawks with fractured foot
The Panthers will be without one of their key defensive players against the Seahawks on Saturday.
Rivera added that Lotulelei underwent surgery on his foot Wednesday morning. The defensive tackle suffered the injury in practice Tuesday when he rolled his foot after stepping on another player’s foot. Veteran Colin Cole will start in his place.
Losing the second-year player is a huge blow to the Panthers’ defense this weekend. Lotulelei was playing his best football of the season down the stretch for Carolina, which has allowed an average of 11.8 points per game during its current five-game winning streak. Over his last two games, he collected two sacks, five quarterback hurries and eight tackles while playing more snaps than any other defensive tackle on the team.
The Panthers, who have made the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time in franchise history, are trying to advance to the NFC Championship for the first time since the 2005 season.
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