Report: Panthers Charles Tillman out for postseason with torn ACL
By Randy Gurzi
Panthers coach Ron Rivera confirmed that veteran cornerback Charles “Peanut” Tillman will miss the entire postseason after tearing his ACL in Week 17.
Corner back Charles “Peanut” Tillman has been an under appreciated member of the Carolina Panthers amazing defense during the 2015 season. Most of the attention has gone to players like cornerback Josh Norman and linebacker Luke Kuechly, but Tillman’s veteran presence has been just as important to the success of the 15-1 Panthers.
In 12 starts, Tillman has 55 tackles with two forced fumbles, two interceptions and seven pass deflections. Unfortunately the Panthers will have to continue their great season without their most seasoned cornerback as coach Ron Rivera has confirmed that Peanut tore his ACL in the Panthers victory on Sunday.
#Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Peanut Tillman tore his ACL and is out for the season. That stings.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 4, 2016
The Panthers signed another veteran corner in Cortland Finnegan late in the season and the move to bring in a veteran corner like Finnegan for a post season run may look to help the team more than originally thought now as they lost one of their defensive leaders.
The 34-year old Tillman was a second round pick of the Chicago Bears back in 2003, and was a part of the 2006 team that made it to the Super Bowl with Ron Rivera as the defensive coordinator. He gained popularity for a move he calls the “Peanut Punch” where he reaches in and punches out the football from his opponents. Using the move, Tillman has 44 forced fumbles in his career.
The Panthers will surely miss the two-time Pro Bowl corner as they are looking to make a long run in the playoffs as the number one seed in the NFC.