Bears released WR/KR Domenik Hixon with an injury settlement.

Hixon tore his right ACL for the third time in his career last week during OTAs and is out for the year. He hinted that he may be hanging up the cleats.

Bears WR/KR Domenik Hixon tore his right ACL in Tuesday's OTAs session.

It's devastating news, as it's Hixon's third-career tear of his right ACL. The eight-year veteran hinted in a Facebook post that he's considering retirement. Hixon caught seven passes in 15 games for the Panthers last season, largely focusing on special teams.

Bears signed WR/KR Domenik Hixon to a one-year contract.

Hixon, 29, was a disappointment as a receiver pickup in Carolina last year, but is a productive special teamer coming at a cheap cost. He will compete to replace Devin Hester on return. Don't expect Hixon to play any offense.

Free agent WR Domenik Hixon is visiting the Bears Thursday.

Domenik Hixon caught two passes for 16 yards in Sunday's Week 17 win at Atlanta.

Domenik Hixon caught two passes for 18 yards and a touchdown in Carolina's Week 16 win over the Saints.

The catches were the free agent bust's fourth and fifth of the year. The second was the most important one of the day for the Panthers, as Hixon made a diving, ultimately game-winning grab in the end zone with 0:23 remaining. Hixon was only in the game because Steve Smith (knee) was sidelined. Regardless of Smith's status, Hixon isn't going to make a Week 17 impact.

Domenik Hixon failed to catch a single pass in Carolina's Week 2 loss to Buffalo.

Hixon was active after missing Week 1 with a hamstring injury, but barely saw the field and was used behind Ted Ginn and Armanti Edwards. He's likely playing at less than 100 percent and should be more involved in the passing game as the season moves along.

Panthers WR Domenik Hixon (hamstring) is active for Sunday's Week 2 game against the Bills.

Hixon will make his Panthers debut and should immediately regain his slot receiver role after returning to a full week of practice. Kenjon Barner, CB James Dockery, C Brian Folkerts, CB Melvin White, TE Brandon Williams, DT Sione Fua, and DE Wes Horton have all been declared inactive.

Panthers WR Domenik Hixon (hamstring) is probable for Week 2.

Hixon got in his first full practice of the season Thursday and hasn't had any setbacks. He'll immediately regain the slot receiver role in the Panthers' offense, but remains off the fantasy radar.

Panthers WR Domenik Hixon (hamstring) got in his first full practice of the season on Thursday.

He's now trending toward making his season debut Sunday in Buffalo. Hixon will likely slide in as the Panthers' No. 3 receiver ahead of Ted Ginn and Armanti Edwards, but is off the fantasy radar for the time being.

Domenik Hixon (hamstring) remains limited in Panthers practice this week.

Hixon was a game day inactive for the opener against the Seahawks. He might be able to get out there against Buffalo this week, but he's off the fantasy radar.

Panthers WR Domenik Hixon (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Week 1 against the Seahawks.

Hixon was limited in practice all week. He's not on the fantasy radar behind Steve Smith, Greg Olsen, and Brandon LaFell in the targets pecking order.

Panthers WR Domenik Hixon (hamstring) has been limited in practice this week.

Hixon still isn't over the injury that cost him three of four preseason games. The Panthers' No. 3 receiver by default, Hixon is off the re-draft radar for the time being, even in PPR leagues.

Panthers WR Domenik Hixon (hamstring) returned to practice Saturday.

Hixon missed the first three preseason games with the balky hamstring, and his roster chances have taken a major hit over the span. No Panther receiver has really separated himself in the battle for No. 3 duties behind Steve Smith and Brandon LaFell, but Hixon is going to need to put something on film this week.

The Charlotte Observer believes Panthers WR Domenik Hixon is on the roster bubble.

The Observer had previously called Hixon a player who hurt his stock this summer. A hamstring injury has held him out of preseason action, and he appears to have suffered a setback. Once a potential sneaky WR5 as the Panthers' probable No. 3 receiver, Hixon is now off the fantasy radar.

The Charlotte Observer calls Panthers TE Domenik Hixon a player who has hurt his stock in camp.

Once viewed as a cinch for No. 3 duties, Hixon has instead missed time with hamstring issues. His absence comes at a time when Armanti Edwards has supposedly taken a big step forward. It's just a reminder that the Panthers are vanishingly thin at wideout behind Steve Smith and Brandon LaFell.

ESPN considers Domenik Hixon the favorite to win the No. 3 receiver job.

None of the media outlets covering the Panthers are giving Hixon a shot to beat out Brandon LaFell for No. 2 duties. They all have him merely trying to hold off Ted Ginn Jr. once the pads go on at camp. Regardless, the Panthers' top-two pass-catchers will almost certainly be Steve Smith and Greg Olsen.

The Charlotte Observer expects Domenik Hixon to win the No. 3 receiver job for the Panthers.

Right now, there isn't much competition for the gig. Hixon and David Gettis seem to be the most logical fits, but the Panthers could add talent to the group early in the draft. Hixon averaged 14.5 YPR on 39 grabs for the Giants last season.

Panthers agreed to terms with WR Domenik Hixon, formerly of the Giants.

Per CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora, the Browns were also "very interested." Hixon is the second former Giant new Panthers GM Dave Gettleman has signed away from his former team in as many weeks. All the way back from the second tear of his right ACL last season, Hixon caught 39 passes for 567 yards and two touchdowns as he played extensive snaps in place of a banged up Hakeem Nicks. Also a capable return man, Hixon adds credibility to a Panthers' receiver corps that remains woefully thin on experienced talent behind Steve Smith. Hixon is just a chain-mover, but could catch 50 passes in 2013.

Free agent Domenik Hixon left his Panthers visit without a contract.

Per the Charlotte Observer, a deal is not dead, but USA Today reports Hixon could visit the Browns in the coming days. Thus far, Hixon has turned down offers from the Lions and Raiders in addition to the Panthers. That would suggest his price needs to come down.