Matt Kalil injury presents an intriguing situation
The Carolina Panthers offensive line just got intriguing…
As if the Carolina Panthers needed any more problems on the offensive line, they encountered another one Sunday. Left tackle Matt Kalil was placed on injured reserve. The team signed cornerback Lorenzo Doss to take over the roster spot.
"“We’re putting Matt on injured reserve to give him time to fully rehab the knee,” said Panthers general manager Marty Hurney. “We decided to make the move now so he’s eligible to come back after eight games.”"
This is a win-win for all parties involved, as they try to make the best of a difficult situation. The Panthers now can take a look at other options on the offensive line, while Kalil gets a chance to rest and hopefully come back healthier and stronger.
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Kalil got bullied by Dolphins defensive end Robert Quinn, sat out practice the following Sunday, and then had his knee scoped. The procedure put him on the shelf for the rest of the preseason. It is safe to say that it has not been a great past couple weeks for Kalil.
This news may draw the ire of some Carolina Panthers fans due to the fact that the team has paid him $55 million. The way it looks right now, they could probably sign a play who could produce better. Despite what you think of his contract, he is still a veteran who can make an impact on the offensive line. As injuries continue to decimate the line, losing another body is certainly not news you want to be the recipient of.
Taylor Moton will serve as the Carolina Panthers right tackle to begin the season. This is good news. Moton is also a veteran on the line and should help provide stability there. Moton performed well throughout the course of the preseason and now he will get an opportunity to make an impact right away.
This could present a problem for Kalil. With the line getting healthier, what if the coaching staff decides to leave Kalil on the bench? Although Kalil is a veteran, wouldn’t you want a player (especially at that position) that has been healthy from Day 1? My answer to that question would be “yes.” Especially if Moton performs well and gets into a nice groove at the position, why would you want to fix something that is not broken? Although you hate to see a guy potentially lose his job due to injury, this may be a case where you have to play the healthiest player available.
Next. Corey Robinson added to offensive line. dark
With some recent developments, the Carolina Panthers have enough to fill the void left by Kalil. Even still, losing a veteran on the offensive line puts the team in a tough spot.