Just as the Carolina Panthers looked to have solved their long-standing offensive line issues, they lose starting center Austin Corbett for the season. Corbett left Sunday’s game with a biceps injury and an MRI on Monday revealed a tear that will require surgery. This is another huge blow to the Panthers as Corbett becomes the third veteran starter that will miss the remainder of the season.
Corbett has performed as one of the top centers in the NFL this season despite this being the first season he’s taken the reigns at the position at this level. He, along with the rest of the offensive line, has been one of the bright spots on the team as first year head coach Dave Canales and first year GM Dan Morgan work to retool a franchise decimated by coaching turnover, roster mismanagement, and injuries.
To make matters worse, Canales shared on Monday that right tackle Taylor Moton will miss Sunday’s NFC South matchup against a hard-charging Atlanta Falcons team. This will be the first game Moton has missed in his 8 seasons in the league – a feat that has earned him the nickname of “Iron Man” amongst his teammates. The Panthers will at least still have Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt – who are one of the highest pass-blocking graded guards in the league – along with left tackle Ikem Ekwonu who has looked strong coming out of a sophomore slump.
The Panthers have Derrick Brown, Shaq Thompson, and now, Austin Corbett for the season. Canales also disclosed that veteran outside linebacker and rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette would both be evaluated week-to-week with shoulder injuries while tight end Tommy Tremble is in the concussion protocol.
