Tyler Gaffney to miss season with knee injury

The Carolina Panthers have announced that Tyler Gaffney will miss his entire rookie season after injuring his knee in training camp.

The NFC South side revealed that the running back, who rushed for 1,709 yards and 21 touchdowns during his senior year in college, will need to undergo surgery to repair a torn lateral meniscus.

The 23-year-old had been due to compete with Kenjon Barner for snaps behind DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, who is also injured.

Gaffney thanked the Panthers' fans for their support on Twitter following the announcement, vowing to return stronger.