Panthers: Silatolu carted off, undergoing tests on leg
Carolina Panthers guard Amini Silatolu becomes latest player to suffer a training camp injury…
The Carolina Panthers haven’t played one live snap of football this preseason and yet the injuries keep mounting. Already forced to search for replacements at right tackle and cornerback, offensive guard Amini Silatolu was carted off the practice field on Tuesday.
The front-runner for replacing Andrew Norwell along the offensive line, Silatolu was receiving a majority of the first-team repetitions during camp. His playing time had dwindled after starting 15 games in his rookie season (2012) but last year he saw action in 14 games with three starts.
Behind Norwell, Silatolu developed into a player coach Ron Rivera believed he could count on to fill the void created by an All-Pro leaving in free agency. The move came as a bit of a surprise and the preseason was expected to offer an opportunity for someone to prove they were ready but now Silatolu may be out of contention.
According to The Charlotte Observer, Silatolu is being examined for what Rivera is calling a “sore leg.” After exiting practice, the hopeful starter is headed back to Charlotte for further tests to determine the extent of his leg injury.
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No ultimate determination was given as the tests will be conclusive but seeing another Panthers player be carted off the practice field in Spartanburg is becoming an all too familiar sight. First, offensive tackle Daryl Williams left with a torn MCL and dislocated kneecap before cornerback Russ Cockrell broke his leg.
All were expected to play starting roles, Silatolu included. Having to replace three starters before the season is unfortunate but two of them coming along the offensive line could be detrimental. A unit which benefits from guys playing alongside one another and becoming familiar in their roles, now has two obvious gaps – on either side.
Should the Panthers receive unfavorable results from the medical tests, rookie Brendan Mahon is expected to play on Thursday against the Bills. A solid performance would put him in line to start, depending on the severity of Silatolu’s injury, but Carolina may elect to add another player in the interim.
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No decision is likely to be made before finding out the cause of his “sore leg” but you can bet the Panthers are busy considering all available options at this point.