Morgan's concussion in the second quarter Sunday was at least the fifth of his career and he did not return in the 20-6 loss. Without Morgan anchoring the middle of the defense, the Falcons rushed for 252 yards, the second most allowed by Carolina in its 12-year history.
Wharton, a third-round pick in the 2004 draft who started the Panthers' last 28 regular-season games, tore two ligaments in his left knee. That forced the Panthers to shuffle several players along the offensive line to try to contain John Abraham. None of them worked. Abraham had two sacks, knocked down a pass and forced two fumbles, having his way with anyone the Panthers put up against him.
The Panthers are the Vikings' next opponent (Sunday, noon at the Metrodome).
