Just when it appeared one of the more controversial and emotional weeks in Panthers’ history was about to end, came news the team’s most important player now faces surgery.

Less than an hour after introducing former Saints’ safety Roman Harper on a conference call Tuesday, Carolina announced plans for quarterback Cam Newton to undergo an ankle procedure on Wednesday. The surgery will be performed in Charlotte by team physician Robert Anderson.

Newton injured his left ankle in a Week 16 win against the Saints, and despite claims that it was just “nicked,” it bothered him through the playoff loss against the 49ers. Wednesday’s surgery is expected to tighten up ligaments that were stretched.

“The ankle was sore after the San Francisco game and we wanted to see if rest would calm it down, but it is still bothering him and the decision was made to address it,” Panthers head athletic trainer Ryan Vermillion said in a statement.”

Newton’s recovery time is estimated at four months which means he will likely miss Carolina’s OTAs and minicamp. He should be healthy by the start of training camp, but with his top four wideouts from 2013 now on other teams, Newton won’t have much time to become familiar with whoever the Panthers bring in at receiver.