Carolina Panthers: Roster issues entering Week 1 play

CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 23: head coach Ron Rivera and Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers watch from the sideline against the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 23: head coach Ron Rivera and Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers watch from the sideline against the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA - FEBRUARY 07: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers and Daryl Williams #60 react prior to Super Bowl 50 against the Denver Broncos at Levi's Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – FEBRUARY 07: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers and Daryl Williams #60 react prior to Super Bowl 50 against the Denver Broncos at Levi’s Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Offensive Line Play

The talent level along the offensive line isn’t unproven, like their receiving counterparts but injuries instead lead to some skepticism. Center Matt Paradis is a quality replacement for Ryan Kalil, who initially retired before returning with the New York Jets, but he hasn’t played since Week 9 last season. A broken leg led to his departure from Denver, but hopefully he’s fully healthy and ready to go.

Tackle Daryl Williams also returns from nearly an entire year on injured reserve after hurting his knee in Week 1 last season. Coupled with a move from right tackle to the left side of the line, how this group gels together will be key to the Panthers success this season.

Guards Trai Turner, who battled concussion and neck issues last year, and Greg Van Roten secure the middle while Taylor Moton resumes play at the right tackle position. Collectively, this group made their preseason debut in front of Newton in the third preseason game and their initial performance left much to be desired.

Newton was sacked twice, injured his ankle and was forced to throw the ball away when under pressure again on just 11 offensive plays.