Blackburn (knee) was placed on the Panthers' injured reserve list Tuesday.

Blackburn had missed Carolina's past two games due to a knee injury and experienced back discomfort leading up to this season. As a result, second-year lineback A.J. Klein has filled the Panthers' weakside position, which should continue for the remainder of this season.

Blackburn (back) is not listed on the Panthers' injury report leading up to Sunday's regular season opener versus Tampa Bay.

Blackburn missed some time during the preseason due to a back injury, which fortunately didn't prove to be serious. The veteran is slated to start at strongside linebacker, with rising second-year player A.J. Klein expected to spell him on occasion.

Blackburn (back) returned to practice Sunday, the Charlotte Observer reports.

Blackburn has been sidelined for the Panthers' past two preseason contests after tweaking his back over a week ago. That time off has seen A.J. Klein emerge in Carolina's competition to start at weakside linebacker, but if Blackburn can suit up for Thursday's final exhibition game, slotting could change before the regular season. No matter who eventually wins the job, both Blackburn and Klein should play significant roles throughout this season.

Blackburn (back) will not play in Friday's preseason game versus the Patriots, the Charlotte Observer reports.

Blackburn missed Carolina's latest exhibition contest after tweaking his back in practice last week and apparently the issue is more serious than initially anticipated. While surgery has not been discussed, Blackburn's back injury sounds like it carries the possibility of lingering into the beginning of the regular season. While that remains to be seen, A.J. Klein figures to start at weakside linebacker and will probably win the job for Week 1 considering Blackburn's inactivity.

Blackburn (back) did not play in Sunday's preseason game versus Kansas City.

Blackburn tweaked his back during practice last week, but fortunately an MRI returned negative. Nonetheless, Blackburn sat out Sunday's second exhibition outing, allowing A.J. Klein to start at strongside linebacker. Furthermore, Klein intercepted a pass Sunday, which coupled with Blackburn's injury, could thrust the second-year player in the lead to win the Panthers' starting strongside position for this season.

Panthers WLB Chase Blackburn (foot) is targeting Week 13 for his return.

Blackburn has ditched his cast and is now wearing a protective boot. Fifth-round rookie A.J. Klein has helped fill the void with eight tackles and one sack over the last two games.

Panthers WLB Chase Blackburn (foot) has been ruled out for Week 11.

Blackburn suffered the foot injury in Sunday's win over the 49ers and didn't practice all week. A.J. Klein will replace him in the starting lineup. The Panthers also signed LB Dan Connor on Wednesday to provide depth.

Chase Blackburn will remain the Panthers starter at weak-side linebacker.

Oft-injured veteran Jon Beason has been benched and can be dropped in IDP formats. "Right now Chase has got the lead, and I think a big part of it is Chase is a little more comfortable at it right now," coach Ron Rivera said. "I think Jon's going to continue to work and get himself back to football shape." Blackburn had just two tackles when he started Week 3 against the Giants.

Panthers agreed to terms with LB Chase Blackburn, formerly of the Giants, on a two-year contract.

The Cowboys are interested in free agent LB Chase Blackburn.

The Giants seem to be moving on from the lead-footed soon-to-be 30-year-old Blackburn, as they are only willing to bring him back on a one-year deal at the minimum. Blackburn could compete for the strong-side job in Dallas, but he'd likely just be a backup. He started 15 games in the middle for the Giants in 2012.

The Giants are only willing to offer free agent MLB Chase Blackburn on a one-year deal for the league minimum salary.

Blackburn is going on 30 and struggles versus the pass. As has annually been the case since Antonio Pierce's retirement, the Giants want to upgrade at middle linebacker. Ideally, they'd bring back Blackburn to play on special teams.

The Giants have expressed a desire to re-sign MLB Chase Blackburn, according to Blackburn's agent, Richard Katz.

"Right now we are assessing his dollar value to the Giants and reviewing all possible alternatives including the Giants," said Katz. Blackburn, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent, was in a similar position two years ago when the Giants let him go only to bring him back in November for what ultimately became their Super Bowl run. The Giants have already cut ties with WLB Michael Boley, who was released last week. Blackburn will turn 30 in June. He started 15 games in 2012, recording 98 total tackles and three sacks.

Giants MLB Chase Blackburn was forced from Sunday's game against the Cowboys with a hamstring injury, and will not return.

Blackburn went down in a heap, and appeared to suffer a pretty significant pull. He was able to walk off under his own power, but the fact he was ruled out so quickly doesn't bode well for his Week 9 status. Mark Herzlich is now in the game at middle linebacker. Blackburn had five tackles before departing.

Giants DC Perry Fewell confirms Chase Blackburn will enter camp as New York's starting middle linebacker.

"I can't say he'll stay there permanently, but right now Chase is our guy and no one's clearly beaten him out for the position," Fewell said. "Chase has some distinct advantages over some of the other guys." The Giants love Blackburn's understanding of the playbook, but he'll be pushed by Mark Herzlich, Greg Jones and Keith Rivers. Blackburn's prime competition could be Rivers.

Giants DC Perry Fewell indicated that Chase Blackburn will open training camp as the team's starting middle linebacker.

Fewell did say he anticipates "competition" at MIKE, naming Mark Herzlich, Greg Jones, and Keith Rivers as Blackburn's competitors. Blackburn is more of a fill-in, replacement-level middle linebacker, though he is an adequate run stuffer. It sounds like Michael Boley is staying on the weak side for now.

Giants agreed to terms with LB Chase Blackburn on a one-year contract.

Blackburn, 29 in June, closed out last season as the Giants' starting middle linebacker. While he won't retain the role, Blackburn came up with a huge interception of Tom Brady in Super Bowl XLVI and should earn a roster spot as a backup and special teamer. He finished 2011 with 26 tackles on defense.

The Giants have had "some discussions" with free agent LB Chase Blackburn about a return.

The Giants would have re-signed Blackburn by now, obviously, if they were intent on retaining him. Blackburn closed out last season as the Giants' starting middle linebacker. They want to get better at the position this year.

The Giants have yet to contact free agent LB Chase Blackburn about returning in 2012.

Close to a job teaching eighth-grade math, Blackburn came to the Giants' rescue in the Super Bowl run after being signed in late November. Although Blackburn hopes to re-sign, the Giants appear to be prioritizing Jonathan Goff instead.

Giants agreed to terms with LB Chase Blackburn.

A special teams captain in 2010, Blackburn racked up 93 games and 17 starts for the Giants over six seasons. He'll add depth with Michael Boley (hamstring) and Mark Herzlich (ankle) battling injuries.

Giants LB Chase Blackburn said he hopes not to be out as long as he was last time with his latest right knee injury.

"I feel like it's more stable this time, I feel I'm at a better starting point than I was the last time," Blackburn said. The linebacker missed three weeks with his prior knee injury. He's an important special teams player for the Giants, but his lost won't be felt on defense.