Taylor Moton, the Panthers’ rock-solid right tackle, has been diagnosed with a blood clot in one of his lungs, a serious medical emergency that will keep him out for at least the start of the season. This isn’t just a minor sideline ding; doctors immediately put the 10-year veteran on blood thinners after the late June diagnosis, and while he is responding well, he won’t be ready for Week 1.
Moton’s Iron Man Streak Hits a Serious Snag
This news is a massive gut punch, especially considering Moton’s history. He’s been an absolute workhorse since the Panthers drafted him in the second round back in 2017. He played every single game as a rookie and has been an every-week starter at right tackle since 2018. We’re talking about a guy who played every offensive snap from 2018-23! He didn’t miss a single game until his age-30 season, and even then, he only sat out three games total across two seasons due to knee, elbow, and one other game last year. To have something this serious sideline him for an unknown stretch of the season? It’s wild. While he’s expected back later this year, there’s no clear timeline for how much time he’ll actually miss.
The O-Line Is Already a Mess Before Kickoff
So, who steps up for a guy like Moton? That’s the million-dollar question for the Panthers. They’re looking at first-round pick Monroe Freeling to jump into action. Freeling was projected as a developing lineman, and he’s only got 17 career starts from Georgia, but the team might not have a choice. This isn’t the only headache for their offensive line either. Starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu is recovering from a ruptured patellar tendon surgery he had in January and is on the physically unable to perform list, meaning he could miss extended time too. If free agent Rasheed Walker fills one of those crucial tackle spots, likely at left tackle, then Freeling is the next-obvious choice to protect that right side.
This is a brutal blow to an offensive line that needs stability. Losing two starting tackles, especially a veteran anchor like Moton, before the season even truly begins? That’s a huge problem. You’ve got to wonder how they’ll patch things up and who will step into those massive holes in Week 1.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Leave a Reply