Fansided

Carolina FB Michael Zordich will miss entire 2013 season

By Brad Rowland

May 30, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers fullback Michael Zordich walks to the practice field before the start of practice held at the Carolina Panthers practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
May 30, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers fullback Michael Zordich walks to the practice field before the start of practice held at the Carolina Panthers practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 17, 2012; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Michael Zordich (9) stretches prior to the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 17, 2012; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Michael Zordich (9) stretches prior to the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

The much-maligned Carolina Panthers backfield will have a great bit of scrutiny this season, and they’ll have to encounter it without one of its presumed competitors for playing time.

Carolina’s official Twitter account released news of a season-long injury for rookie fullback Michael Zordich on Sunday:

Following Friday’s game, it was clear that Zordich was injured, but this announcement was the final dagger. Zordich was an undrafted free agent who signed with Carolina out of Penn State (after a strong senior season), but he was considered to be a legit contender for playing time at the fullback spot with Mike Tolbert as the team’s only fullback returning from 2012.

It is certainly true that Cam Newton may be the best “running back” in Carolina, but the play of Jonathan Stewart and Deangelo Williams will be key to any presumptive success of the team in 2013. The loss of Zordich shouldn’t be crippling, but another injury to that backfield could form trouble, and the spotlight is now on Mike Tolbert to provide lead blocking for the talented, yet injury-prone duo of tailbacks.

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