Blackburn (knee) was placed on the Panthers' injured reserve list Tuesday. Blackburn had missed Carolina's past two games due to a knee injury and experienced back discomfort leading up to this season. As a result, second-year lineback A.J. Klein has filled the Panthers' weakside position, which should continue for the remainder of this season.

Blackburn (back) is not listed on the Panthers' injury report leading up to Sunday's regular season opener versus Tampa Bay. Blackburn missed some time during the preseason due to a back injury, which fortunately didn't prove to be serious. The veteran is slated to start at strongside linebacker, with rising second-year player A.J. Klein expected to spell him on occasion.

Blackburn (back) returned to practice Sunday, the Charlotte Observer reports. Blackburn has been sidelined for the Panthers' past two preseason contests after tweaking his back over a week ago. That time off has seen A.J. Klein emerge in Carolina's competition to start at weakside linebacker, but if Blackburn can suit up for Thursday's final exhibition game, slotting could change before the regular season. No matter who eventually wins the job, both Blackburn and Klein should play significant roles throughout this season.

Blackburn (back) will not play in Friday's preseason game versus the Patriots, the Charlotte Observer reports. Blackburn missed Carolina's latest exhibition contest after tweaking his back in practice last week and apparently the issue is more serious than initially anticipated. While surgery has not been discussed, Blackburn's back injury sounds like it carries the possibility of lingering into the beginning of the regular season. While that remains to be seen, A.J. Klein figures to start at weakside linebacker and will probably win the job for Week 1 considering Blackburn's inactivity.

Blackburn (back) did not play in Sunday's preseason game versus Kansas City. Blackburn tweaked his back during practice last week, but fortunately an MRI returned negative. Nonetheless, Blackburn sat out Sunday's second exhibition outing, allowing A.J. Klein to start at strongside linebacker. Furthermore, Klein intercepted a pass Sunday, which coupled with Blackburn's injury, could thrust the second-year player in the lead to win the Panthers' starting strongside position for this season.

Panthers WLB Chase Blackburn (foot) is targeting Week 13 for his return. Blackburn has ditched his cast and is now wearing a protective boot. Fifth-round rookie A.J. Klein has helped fill the void with eight tackles and one sack over the last two games.

Panthers WLB Chase Blackburn (foot) has been ruled out for Week 11. Blackburn suffered the foot injury in Sunday's win over the 49ers and didn't practice all week. A.J. Klein will replace him in the starting lineup. The Panthers also signed LB Dan Connor on Wednesday to provide depth.

Chase Blackburn will remain the Panthers starter at weak-side linebacker. Oft-injured veteran Jon Beason has been benched and can be dropped in IDP formats. "Right now Chase has got the lead, and I think a big part of it is Chase is a little more comfortable at it right now," coach Ron Rivera said. "I think Jon's going to continue to work and get himself back to football shape." Blackburn had just two tackles when he started Week 3 against the Giants.

Panthers agreed to terms with LB Chase Blackburn, formerly of the Giants, on a two-year contract.

The Cowboys are interested in free agent LB Chase Blackburn. The Giants seem to be moving on from the lead-footed soon-to-be 30-year-old Blackburn, as they are only willing to bring him back on a one-year deal at the minimum. Blackburn could compete for the strong-side job in Dallas, but he'd likely just be a backup. He started 15 games in the middle for the Giants in 2012.