4 worst-case scenarios for the Carolina Panthers 2023 offseason
By Dean Jones
Injured Carolina Panthers players take longer to return
Despite the Carolina Panthers staying relatively healthy throughout the 2022 season, this changed abruptly down the stretch. Three influential starters went down with long-term injuries, which was a body blow and could have long-term implications to further raise concerns.
Donte Jackson tore his Achilles and faces a long road back to full fitness. The cornerback relies heavily on his speed and quick twitch capabilities, so there’s a chance he never comes back the same player depending on the severity of his complication.
There is even more nervousness surrounding the offensive line. Austin Corbett is hoping to get ready for Week 1 despite a significant knee injury, but it’s hard to say for sure considering he’s only one month into the rehabilitation process.
The same applies to Brady Christensen, who broke his ankle in Week 18 against the New Orleans Saints and recently underwent successful surgery. Losing both interior linemen would be huge for the Panthers, who benefitted greatly from continuity and consistency throughout the campaign.
Should Jackson, Corbett, and Christensen take longer than expected to return, it shifts the landscape for Carolina. Especially when it comes to protecting whoever they choose as their franchise quarterback moving forward.