Stephen Hill out for year with torn ACL

Stephen Hill tore the ACL in his right knee and will be out for the year, Carolina Panthers assistant head coach Steve Wilks said Sunday.

The wide receiver was subsequently waived/injured by the team.

Hill was carted off the field Saturday after attempting to make a catch across the middle during an afternoon practice in intense heat. He came down wrong on his leg and fell to the ground screaming in pain.

Trainers taped Hill's knee before helping him on to a cart. Hill left the field with his head in his hands and a towel draped over his head.

"You could hear him screaming," receiver Ted Ginn Jr. said. "... We've just got to continue to fight. You lose great players all the time. You've just got to bounce back, pick up the slack and keep fighting."

A former New York Jets second-round pick, Hill had been battling for a roster spot in Carolina, impressing coaches in organized team activities and minicamp with his play. He spent the previous season on the Panthers' practice squad.

Hill was cited Tuesday by police in Concord, North Carolina, for knowingly possessing drug paraphernalia with intent to use. Coach Ron Rivera had said the arrest wouldn't affect Hill's chances of making the team.

The Panthers signed wide receiver Paul Browning, an undrafted rookie out of Colorado State-Pueblo, to replace Hill.

ESPN's David Newton and The Associated Press contributed to this report.