Panthers coach Ron Rivera announced Sunday night following practice that fullback and former Nittany Lions, Mike Zordich has torn the ACL in his left knee and will miss the 2013-14 NFL regular season.

Zordich, who is battling for a spot on the active roster was injured in Carolina’s preseason game Friday night against the Chicago Bears.

While at Penn State, Zordich was a crucial part of keeping the program balanced and focused during the fallout from the Jerry Sandusky scandal. On the field he was a key to every offensive possession counting for a little over 400 yards of offense but was an emotional leader on and off the field.

Zordich came to the aid of fellow Nittany Lion Michael Mauti late in Penn State’s 2012 season who suffered a similar injury. Mauti is now playing for the Minnesota Vikings.