Taylor Moton, the veteran right tackle for the Panthers, is officially back on injured reserve after suffering a fractured fibula in Sunday’s blowout loss to the Buccaneers. This is brutal news, especially considering he had just returned to the lineup for his second game back. Talk about a gut punch.
Moton’s Comeback: A Short-Lived Hope
Let’s be real, this guy has been through it. Moton had already started the season on the non-football injury list, sidelined for the first four games because of blood clots in his lung during the offseason. That’s serious stuff. He fought his way back, got activated, and was out there on the field for two games, only for this to happen. A fractured fibula, just like that. You have to feel for the guy. The Panthers’ offensive line, which is already trying to gel, now has to deal with losing a veteran presence for a significant chunk of time, yet again.
Who Steps Up Now on the O-Line?
With Moton out for the initial four games, first-round pick Monroe Freeling stepped up and started at right tackle. He was already the guy. When Moton went down on Sunday, Freeling was right back in there, taking over the responsibilities. This means a rookie, a first-round pick sure, but still a rookie, is now the de facto starter for the foreseeable future. That’s a huge ask, but the team’s got to lean into it. To fill the empty roster spot, the Panthers signed linebacker Nick Hampton off the practice squad. Hampton actually had five tackles on Sunday as a temporary elevation, so at least there’s that.
This whole situation puts the Panthers in a tough spot. They’re going to need Freeling to grow up fast on that offensive line. It’s all eyes on how they adjust and protect their quarterback moving forward, because losing a veteran tackle twice in one season, especially after battling blood clots, is a challenge nobody wants to face.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
Leave a Reply