Carolina Panthers defensive back Bené Benwikere is likely headed to injured reserved after he fractured his left leg during Sunday's win over the Falcons.

Benwikere fell awkwardly on his leg while attempting to tackle receiver Julio Jones early in the fourth quarter. After spending the first nine games of the year as the No. 1 nickel back, Benwikere was making his fourth straight start on the outside for Charles Tillman.

The Panthers haven't said much about Tillman's injury, who's claimed each week he may be ready to return. But according to a source, the 13-year veteran is dealing with a sprained knee, and the Panthers' main hope was to get him back for the playoffs. Now, they may be tempted to accelerate that time frame.

"We’re going to have to really take a real nice, long look," head coach Ron Rivera said. "These next couple days are going to be very critical for where Peanut is and it might influence our decision."

Besides Josh Norman, the Panthers have just two other cornerbacks on the roster — Teddy Williams and Cortland Finnegan, who was signed two weeks ago to act as a Band-Aid in the slot. The loss of Benwikere opens the secondary wound even further.

The Panthers could call up Lou Young or Ras-I Dowling from the practice squad. Dowling is listed as a safety, but he has experience at cornerback.

Before deciding to bring on Finnegan, the Panthers also worked out Bradley Fletcher and former draft pick Robert McClain. Cary Williams, who was released by Seattle this week, is also on the market. But as you'd expect, free agent pickings in December are thin.

As far as Tillman's potential availability for Week 15 at the Giants, he'd only say:

"I think I could [play.] We'll see what happens."