Trai Turner concussion a worrisome reminder for Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers right guard Trai Turner becomes latest offensive lineman to be sidelined with an injury.

The Carolina Panthers earned a hard fought win against a visiting Dallas Cowboys team to open the 2018 regular season. That victory, while impressive, came at a high price as the Panthers lost a number of starters to injury – right guard Trai Turner became the latest on Wednesday.

Fellow offensive lineman Daryl Williams (RT) suffered a knee injury, joining starting left tackle, Matt Kalil, on the Injured Reserve list. The Panthers also lost tight end Greg Olsen who hurt the same foot that caused him to miss nine games just one year ago. No surgery is expected but Carolina is preparing to be without their veteran offensive captain for some time.

Guard Trai Turner, along with starting center Ryan Kalil, have been the only two consistent members of the offensive line since training camp began. Despite the turmoil taking place around them and having to adapt, playing alongside a new face seemingly every week – Turner is now out.

Concussions are not created equally and are extremely difficult to both diagnose and treat. Unlike a torn ACL or other injury where trainers and medical staff have a specific approach to assist players in rehabilitation and returning to the field – concussions are an entirely different animal.

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A significant factor with Turner’s current injury is the delayed onset of symptoms. While not unusual, it serves as a cautionary reminder to former Panthers tackle, Michael Oher, who also suffered a concussion that wasn’t diagnosed until days later – before the Panthers traveled to Atlanta.

Oher wouldn’t return, missing the final 13 games of 2016 before eventually being released after failing a physical prior to last season. A unique and scary situation, the long-term health of all players needs to be the main concern for anyone dealing with an injury – especially a concussion.

Turner’s absence just adds to the long-list of rotating players along the offensive line since training camp began. An all too familiar theme for such a young season but hopefully one that won’t define the entire campaign.

Unless it’s how Carolina overcame these multiple injuries to win the NFC South division and their first Super Bowl.