UNC safety Matt Merletti tore the ACL in his right knee in practice on Tuesday and will miss the 2009 season.

Merletti, a junior, was competing with Da'Norris Searcy at strong safety for the one of the two openings on the starting defense. Merletti had also been working as the nickelback, which would have effectively made him the 12th starter.

North Carolina's depth on the offensive line decreased Wednesday when offensive tackle Carl Gaskins tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the morning practice.

Team spokesman Kevin Best announced today that Gaskins, a sophomore who was competing for playing time at left tackle, is out for the season. Gaskins played in five games last season and was listed as a backup to senior Kyle Jolly.