Panthers place cornerback Chris Gamble on IR

Carolina Panthers cornerback Chris Gamble was placed on IR due to a shoulder injury. (Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) The Carolina Panthers placed cornerback

Carolina Panthers cornerback Chris Gamble was placed on IR due to a shoulder injury. (Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

The Carolina Panthers placed cornerback Chris Gamble on injured reserve on Monday, ending his season due to an injured shoulder that will need surgery, reports The Charlotte Observer.

Gamble, in his ninth season, was the second-most effective defensive back in 2011 according to ProFootballFocus.com. He allowed one reception for every 18.1 snaps, which was second to only Philadelphia’s Nnamdi Asomugha.

"It was one of the decisions we had to make today," Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said. "Talking to (team trainer) Ryan Vermillion, he's going to have to have it taken care of. Then we'll have to find a player to fill his position."

Gamble, who is the Panthers franchise leader in interceptions with 27, did not play in the Panthers' 19-14 loss to the Cowboys on Sunday and has 15 tackles in four games played this season.

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