A knee injury that sidelined Keary Colbert for the past two weeks has prematurely ended his season and likely the former starting wide receiver's four-year tenure with the Carolina Panthers, as well. Colbert, 25, has been placed on injured reserve and his roster spot filled for Saturday night's game against Dallas by practice squad wide receiver Jason Carter. But because he is in the final season of his original rookie contract, Colbert is eligible for unrestricted free agency in the spring, and his return to the Panthers is unlikely. The Panthers probably will look for other options as they continue to seek a complementary wide receiver to team with Steve Smith, and they are hoping to get more from second-round pick Dwayne Jarrett who has had a disappointing rookie season. At the same time, it's believed Colbert will look for a fresh start elsewhere.