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Panthers will start season without both starting offensive tackles

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 22, 2026, 11:18 PM

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

Panthers will start season without both starting offensive tackles

Summary

The Carolina Panthers will begin the regular season without starting offensive tackles Ickey Ekwonu and Taylor Moton. Ekwonu is recovering from a ruptured patellar tendon, while Moton was ruled out due to a blood clot in his lung. Despite these setbacks, general manager Dan Morgan expressed confidence in the team's depth and talent. The Panthers plan to start veteran Rasheed Walker at left tackle and rookie Monroe Freeling at right tackle. Morgan expects Moton to mentor Freeling during his recovery.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Ickey Ekwonu expected to miss multiple games.
•Taylor Moton ruled out after a blood clot was discovered.
•Rookie Monroe Freeling to start at right tackle.
•Morgan optimistic about team depth and overall talent.
•Panthers seek to continue momentum from last season's playoff appearance.

Latest Updates

11:18 PMYahoo Sports — Panthers will be without both starting offensive tackles for start of the season

What they're saying

"
The Carolina Panthers will open the regular season without both starting offensive tackles. Carolina is looking to build off last season's momentum when the franchise snapped a seven-year playoff drought and won the NFC South — albeit with a losing record (8-9). Morgan said things are headed in the right direction after years of struggles.
— Yahoo Sportsby STEVE REED

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