news-record.com

SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- Jon Beason believes the Carolina Panthers will have to sign a veteran to fill the void at defensive tackle.

Beason, the Panthers' middle linebacker and leading tackler the past two seasons, was candid Saturday when asked about Maake Kemoeatu's season-ending torn Achilles' tendon. The injury left the Panthers with Nick Hayden, who has two games of NFL experience, as a starter. Behind him is undrafted rookie Marlon Favorite.

"It's been tough," Beason said. "They're going up against probably the best run offensive line in the league, so it's hard to see what they can do because those guys are so good."

THE SITUATION: The lone workout in shorts Saturday afternoon included practicing several end-of-game and clock management situations. The oddest scene was kicker John Kasay running up to the line of scrimmage as a quarterback and spiking the ball to stop the clock.

Fox said that's to prepare for if they don't have a time-out in the closing seconds, are in field goal range and are uncertain if they've picked up a first down. If the kicking team is sent on the field and then it's determined they did get a first down, they can stop the clock to avoid a rushed field goal attempt.

EXTRA POINTS: WR Steve Smith participated in some 7-on-7 drills, but he stayed out of 11-on-11 work and avoided contact. He first returned to practice Friday from a right shoulder injury. ... RB Jonathan Stewart (Achilles' tendon) missed his sixth straight practice over four days. LB Thomas Davis (knee), LB Landon Johnson (groin), S Nate Salley (knee) and G C.J. Davis (ankle) also sat out. ... The Panthers hold a walkthrough today at 9:30 a.m. before leaving for Monday's game.