Panthers middle linebacker Jon Beason underwent surgery this week to address an Achilles problem that has sidelined him the entire preseason.

Beason, a three-time Pro Bowler who has started every regular-season game his first four years, had a "simple procedure to help alleviate the discomfort he has with the Achilles," first-year coach Ron Rivera said.

Rivera said Beason would be out for at least a week while recovering from the surgery. But the Panthers are hopeful Beason will be ready for the Sept. 11 opener at Arizona.

Excuse Panthers' fans if they are skeptical with the "simple procedure" characterization. Former coach John Fox said the same thing about right tackle Jeff Otah's arthroscopic knee surgery last summer, and Otah missed the whole season.

But Beason has a strong track record. Players don't make 64 consecutive starts at a demanding position like middle linebacker without being able to play through pain.

In the meantime, Dan Connor, who started the first eight game last year while Beason filled in for the injured Thomas Davis on the weak side, will be the Panthers' starter at middle linebacker.

Notes: With rookie quarterback Cam Newton getting his second straight start, Jimmy Clausen was only supposed to play the fourth quarter Thursday at Cincinnati. Now Clausen might not do that. The second-year QB has a bruised throwing elbow that prevented him from throwing Wednesday. He will be a game-day decision. If Clausen can't play, free agent pick-up Derek Anderson will get the mop-up duty after Newton comes out.

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