Panthers to place LB Beason on injured reserve

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Panthers coach Ron Rivera says three-time Pro Bowl linebacker Jon Beason has been placed on injured reserve with knee and shoulder issues.

   Beason will have surgery next week on his left knee.

   The Panthers have claimed cornerback James Dockery off waivers from Cleveland to replace Beason on the roster. Dockery joined the Panthers at practice.

   These are tough times for the Panthers. In the past two weeks, they've lost center Ryan Kalil, cornerback Chris Gamble and Beason to season-ending injuries and general manager Marty Hurney was fired.

   The move doesn't come as a surprise as Beason has missed the last two games with injuries and Rivera hinted he might be headed to IR.

   Rivera says Luke Kuechly, the team's first-round draft pick, will continue to fill in at middle linebacker.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

WSOC