Panthers safety Moehrig suspended for low blow

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The NFL has suspended Carolina Panthers safety Tre’von Moehrig one game without pay for striking San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings in the groin area on Monday night.

Moehrig is appealing the penalty, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The appeal will be ruled upon by either Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster or Jordy Nelson, the hearing officers jointly appointed by the NFL and NFL Players Association.

If the suspension is upheld, he will miss the Panthers’ game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.

The Panthers also could be without Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn, who suffered a concussion late in the first half on Monday. Coach Dave Canales said Horn will be evaluated daily.

Canales said Horn’s replacement, Corey Thornton, suffered a season-ending fractured tibia that will require surgery.

As for Moehrig, Canales acknowledged the two talked but he declined to discuss what his thoughts were on the incident after reviewing the film. He did, however, say Moehrig also is dealing with an ankle issue.

“He’ll be day-to-day,” Canales said. “We’ll give you the full report of it Wednesday.”

Late in Monday night’s game, won 20-9 by the 49ers, television cameras showed Moehrig delivering a punch to Jennings’ groin area. Jennings did not immediately retaliate and was seen pleading with the officials to throw a flag on Moehrig. Jennings, however, hit Moehrig after the game with a quick, open-handed right cross to his face mask. Jennings was not punished by the NFL on Tuesday.

“I was just responding to some childish behavior,” Jennings said about his postgame actions.

San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said Moehrig’s move was a “cheap shot.”

Carolina is 6-6, a half-game behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-5) in the NFC South, heading into Sunday’s home game against the Rams (8-2).

ESPN’s Nick Wagoner contributed to this report.