Maake Kemoeatu Out for the Season

Maake Kemoeatu, a starting defensive tackle for the Carolina Panthers, is out for the 2009 NFL season after tearing his achilles tendon in his right foot. Kemoeatu suffered the injury less than an hour into the team’s first practice.

Kemoeatu is one of the most underrated players on the Panthers. The native of Tonga was extremely valuable as his 6-foot-5, 345-pound frame made life difficult for opponents — especially on the ground.

After playing his first four seasons in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens, the 30-year-old Kemoeatu played his last three years with the Panthers. Last season, he had 36 tackles after recording a career-high 46 tackles in 2007.

To see just how valuable Kemoeatu is, simply look what happened last year when he didn’t play. In Week 16 against the New York Giants, the Giants were able to run for 301 yards with Kemoeatu sidelined.

Right now, it is unclear how the Panthers plan to replace Kemoeatu. Chances are that the team will have to find a defensive tackle in free agency.

Maake Kemoeatu - Carolina Panthers (Image: Zuma Press)