The
Moton’s season has been defined by health challenges, as he was limited to just seven quarters of play. His return to the lineup had been a hard-fought process, following an offseason battle with blood clots that kept him on the non-football injury list through the first four games of the campaign. Canales expressed sympathy for the veteran, noting the resilience Moton showed in his efforts to return to the field.
Impact on the Panthers Offensive Line
Following Moton’s departure in the third quarter of Sunday’s game, first-round draft pick
The offensive line remains in a state of flux as the team also manages the recovery of longtime starting left tackle Ickey Ekwonu. Ekwonu has been sidelined for the entire season while recovering from patellar tendon surgery. While Canales noted that Ekwonu is making progress and has begun participating in individual drills, the coach stopped short of providing a definitive timeline for his return to full-speed contact.
Injury Concerns Ahead of Thursday Night Football
The Panthers face a challenging schedule with a short turnaround before their upcoming Thursday night clash against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The team’s Monday walk-through session highlighted the depth of their current injury crisis, with four starters—Damien Lewis, Jaelan Phillips, Bobby Brown III, and Akayleb Evans—unable to participate due to various ailments.
Quarterback Bryce Young was a full participant during the session, though the team continues to monitor wide receiver Jalen Coker, who was limited by a shoulder injury. As Carolina prepares for the trip to Green Bay, the coaching staff will be forced to adjust their personnel groupings to account for the mounting absences across both the offensive and defensive units.
