The former Strath Haven High star, a third-round draft pick in April, was hurt during Sunday's 20-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. He had to be carted off the field.

Connor had played on special teams in the Panthers' first three games, recording four tackles.

This is the first major injury in Connor's football career. He suffered a broken right hand in November 2006, but that did not keep him from missing a game at Penn State. He started 36 of the 45 games he played for the Nittany Lions.

Connor holds the Penn State record for most career tackles with 419 (227 solo). He earned all-American and all-Big Ten honors in 2006. Connor also received the Chuck Bednarik Award as the best defensive player in college football in 2007.

Connor will be placed on injured reserve, but the Panthers had not announced who will replace him on the active roster.