Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson had to go under the knife on Friday after he recently developed swelling around his right knee.
General Manager Marty Hurney confirmed to the Charlotte Observer that the team’s medical staff recommended the arthroscopic operation that Hurney deemed a “minor clean-out.” Johnson took to Twitter to tell his followers that the operation was successful.
There’s no word yet on Johnson’s availability for organized team activities or the mandatory minicamp in June, but it is a good bet that he’ll be limited if he does anything at all. He’s expected to be fine in time for training camp.
Carolina should hope that’s the case. They remind awfully thin at defensive end outside of Johnson and they will need either Greg Hardy or third-round pick Frank Alexander to turn into productive players up front even if Johnson is 100 percent.
Johnson had nine sacks in 2011, the first under a six-year, $72 million contract he signed before the season got underway.