Alexander suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in Saturday's preseason game and will miss the 2015 season, the team's official web site reports.

NFL suspended Panthers DE Frank Alexander four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy. It's a blow to Carolina's up-front depth, as Alexander is a useful reserve behind starters Greg Hardy and Charles Johnson. The 24-year-old plays a lot of snaps at left defensive end when Johnson kicks inside to tackle in sub-packages. Alexander finished 2013 with 15 tackles and a sack. His absence gives more opportunity to Mario Addison, Wes Horton, and CFL signee Alex Hall.