NFL
Panthers DE Pittman done for season
By Panthers DE Pittman done for season
Aug 24, 2004

Spartanburg, SC (Sports Network) - Carolina Panthers veteran defensive end Kavika Pittman will miss the 2004 season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on Saturday.

Pittman, who missed the majority of the 2003 season with an ACL tear in the same knee, suffered the injury on the first play of practice. An MRI exam revealed the severity of the problem.

The 29-year-old Pittman is expected to undergo surgery and will start rehab in a few weeks.

"It is real disappointing," Panthers head coach John Fox said. "You feel bad for the guy. He has tried and has worked very hard this offseason to get back. To have that happen is obviously very disappointing for him and us."

Pittman first tore the ACL in his left knee during the second game of the 2003 regular season when he absorbed a chop block from Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Keenan McCardell.

He spent all of last season strengthening the knee and returned to the field in minicamp. However, Pittman hyperextended the knee and partially tore the ligament during the June camp. He then missed the first three weeks of training camp, but returned to practice on Saturday.

The McNeese State product has played in 106 games (75 starts) during his nine- year career and has 18 sacks.