Right Tackle Taylor Moton Will Be Out With Lung Clot
The Carolina Panthers have placed right tackle Taylor Moton on the reserve/non-football injury list due to a serious medical condition. According to reporting by CBS Sports - NFL, Moton was diagnosed with a blood clot in one of his lungs and is expected to miss at least the start of training camp.
Moton's absence signals an unusual period for him as he has played all 16 games every year since joining the Panthers from the 2018 NFL Draft. This condition has left the Panthers in need of replacement options for right tackle, with Monroe Freeling and other prospects poised to take on more responsibilities.
Maston's Long Career Spanned by Panthers
Taylor Moton has been a cornerstone of the Carolina Panthers' offensive line over his 10-year tenure. He started all 16 games as a rookie in 2017 and continued to be an every-week starter at right tackle through 2023, playing every single game during that stretch except for three missed by his age-30 season.
Freeling's Opportunity
First-round pick Monroe Freiling faces the challenge of stepping into a starting role. While he showed promise as a developmental lineman and depth option early in his rookie year, Freiling may prove crucial to filling Moton's void on the offensive line, potentially seeing significant playing time from Day 1.
Panthers' Lineup Adjustments
Maston’s absence coincides with other lineup changes. Starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu is also out after undergoing surgery to repair a patellar tendon. His return looks uncertain, making the Panthers even more reliant on Freiling and possible reinforcements like free agent addition Rasheed Walker.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Will Moton Be Out?
While Carolina is optimistic about Moton's recovery, his exact return date remains unclear. The Panthers are confident he will play this season but unsure of how much of the campaign he will miss.
Who Could Replace Moton in the Lineup?
If free agent Rasheed Walker does not fill one of the vacant spots, Monroe Freiling stands as the most likely candidate to start at right tackle. He gained 17 career starts during his college football days and earned second-team All-SEC acclaim for his performance.