Nate Salley was expected to start at safety this year for the Carolina Panthers.

   But a bizarre knee injury during training camp in which he landed wrong after leaping in the air to make a play has landed him on IR. The Panthers originally said the injury was not severe, but it turns out Salley has damaged his posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). Salley said he might have rushed his recovery, trying to get back on the field soon so as not to lose his starting job.

"We thought I could get back a little sooner; it was feeling pretty good," Salley said. "I think I might have rushed it a little bit. It got set back twice and then I end up here."

Salley is hoping he won't need surgery, but that hasn't been ruled out. The first option is more rehab. However, even if he does need surgery, he should be ready for next season.

"Surgery is like a last resort type of deal," Salley said. "Hopefully I won’t have to go that route."

By the way, don't be surprised if Marquand Manuel is your starting free safety this week with Deke Cooper nursing a groin injury.