Carolina Panthers: Matt Kalil injury update after weeks of silence
Matt Kalil remains on the Carolina Panthers injured reserve after being eligible to return well over a month ago.
Beginning the season as starting left tackle for the Carolina Panthers, Matt Kalil suffered through a dreadful preseason. Allowing multiple sacks, after the second preseason game it was revealed Kalil was dealing with a knee injury and would have a procedure administered to evaluate his condition.
Placed on injured reserve, Kalil was eligible to return after eight games and begin practicing prior. However, once he practiced the Panthers had a limited opportunity to decide if he would be officially activated – since, that time has come and passed with no word on Kalil or his injury.
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By midyear, the Panthers were 6-2 and playing well. Chris Clark was signed to replace Kalil and the makeshift offensive line constructed by coach Ron Rivera and general manager Marty Hurney was exceeding expectations. When originally addressing a return, Rivera said, “I’ll be honest with you, I really haven’t been thinking about it. We’ll see what happens after RV (Head Athletic Trainer Ryan Vermillion) gives me an update.”
Eight weeks have passed – still no Matt Kalil.
It wasn’t until this week, when Clark appeared on the first injury report ahead of Monday night’s game with the New Orleans Saints, that a Kalil return was the topic of discussion. Again, Rivera deferred to the doctors and medical training staff.
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Known for operating extremely close to the vest when it comes to the health of his players, Rivera and the Panthers may be avoiding having to address Kalil, who signed a five-year, $55 million contract, serving in a backup role.
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Either way, after seemingly disappearing for some time it was refreshing to get an update – albeit in relatively minor detail.