Sione

Fua

“It was just a freak accident,” said Fua, who is unsure of how much time he may miss. He’ll undergo an MRI on Monday. A third-round rookie, Fua had started every game before yesterday. He has just nine tackles and zero sacks.

Shirley, rookie Frank Kearse, and second-year pro Andre Neblett have been a boon to the run defense as well. Despite losing rookie starters Terrell McClain and Sione Fua, the Panthers have improved to 21st in run defense, allowing just 95.6 yards per during a 4-1 stretch.

Fua suffered a “significant” right hamstring injury in what he termed a “freak accident” during warmups last week. Fua managed just nine tackles while starting every game as a rookie. He graded out as well below average in Pro Football Focus’ metrics.

He will be placed on season-ending injured reserve, with Frank Kearse promoted from the practice squad to take his roster spot. The 33-year-old had been playing on early downs but was below average in run defense. Sione Fua should take over as the starter inside. It’s not a major downgrade.

Fua was waived at final cuts. Thanks to Garry Williams’ season-ending knee injury, a roster spot opened back up.

A third-round pick of former GM Marty Hurney in 2011, Fua contributed just 22 tackles in his two seasons. They now have just one player remaining from their 2011 draft class (Cam Newton) on the active roster.

Fua takes the roster spot of DT Kevin Vickerson (hip), who was placed on injured reserve in a corresponding move. Fua was the No. 97 overall pick in the 2011 draft by the Panthers and will provide depth as the No. 4 defensive tackle.

Fua, a 2011 third-rounder out of Stanford, has never played on the offensive line in his high school, college, or professional careers. The Carolina offensive line has been decimated by injuries in recent weeks. Fua has played just 53 snaps this season, so learning another position could help him stick around.

The former defensive tackle was moved to the offensive line just last week, but the Panthers clearly didn’t like the early practice returns. A 2011 third-rounder, Fua was one of former GM Marty Hurney’s myriad draft misses. Sua had played just 53 snaps before his position switch, and was a disaster in 2012. He’s still only 25, however.

He’s taking the roster spot of Armonty Bryant (knee), who was officially placed on injured reserve Tuesday. Sua appeared in 24 games between 2011-12, but made just five total appearances between the Broncos and Panthers last season. He’s mere depth unlikely to make it through the end of the season in Cleveland.