Ryan Kalil practicing a good sign for Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers center, Ryan Kalil, was a full participant at Wednesday’s practice.

Ryan Kalil has anchored the Carolina Panthers offensive line from his center position for over a decade. He’s worked with numerous quarterbacks and a countless number of personnel alongside him responsible for protecting them – many just this season. So last week when he exited with an undisclosed injury, there was reason to panic.

Yes, the Panthers have done a phenomenal job of shuffling their personnel and piecing together an offensive line capable of winning football games despite numerous injuries, but Kalil is likely the glue holding everything together.

While it is true that Kalil has missed a significant amount of time over the past two seasons, battling different injuries, there is no denying his leadership and rapport with quarterback Cam Newton. In his absence the Panthers managed a 10-8 record largely due to the play of his backup, Tyler Larsen.

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Kalil announced prior to 2018 that this season would be his last, after missing 18 games over the last two years, but no one is in a rush to see him leave – especially as the result of another injury. Fortunately, it appears he will be healthy enough to continue and start when Carolina kicks off in Washington on Sunday.

Per the first injury report of the week, Kalil was a full participant signaling that he shouldn’t be limited by whatever occurred. Listed as neck related, his reason for exiting against the Giants could have been similar to what happened last season when Kalil surprisingly didn’t start Week 2 and subsequently missed the following four games as well.

The return of right guard Trai Turner has allowed Larsen to again focus on center and he is ready if needed but seeing Kalil end his Panthers career healthy would be best.

Especially if he’s hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in Atlanta amidst a sea of black and blue confetti.