For the past two weeks, the Carolina Panthers have been adding more game film to the evaluation process of the few dozen players on the roster bubble.
One area that has become of heightened concern is the Panthers' interior offensive line depth. And the dynamic could shake out even more during Carolina's preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
With incumbent starting guards Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt having dealt with nagging injuries during training camp, the two have yet to be on the field together for the preseason. This resulted in last week's underwhelming display from the first-team offense versus the Buffalo Bills.
Jake Curhan can alleviate the Carolina Panthers' interior offensive line depth concerns
Given their increased importance, the Panthers must identify better depth pieces at guard. This allows one offensive lineman an opportunity to gain ground with final cuts on the immediate horizon.
When training camp began a little under a month ago, Jake Curhan was still a free agent after providing the Panthers with depth in the trenches throughout the 2025 season, including a handful of starts and spot appearances.
Curhan signed back with Carolina two weeks ago when they placed guard Saahdiq Charles on injured reserve. Instantly, offensive line coach Joe Gilbert received a player who brought experience and familiarity to the blocking scheme.
Against the Jaguars, the Panthers should be looking to identify their core depth at guard. Fourth-year player Chandler Zavala has done nothing to improve the team and remains a liability on the field.
More is needed. And it just so happens that a reliable option in Curhan is waiting for his chance to shine against the Jaguars.
In reality, the Panthers have to explore the trade market or free agency for a veteran guard to bolster their options behind Hunt and Lewis. For the sake of head coach Dave Canales, offensive play-caller Brad Idzik, quarterback Bryce Young, and the playmakers around him, you cannot have Zavala be your reserve guard.
Curhan has the tape to show he can be a dependable backup.
Against a Jaguars defensive line that seemed to have an edge in joint practice, this is the player with the most to gain for Carolina, not some skill player on either side of the ball.
Protecting Young, finding continuity in blocking, and keeping the offense ahead of the chains is critical to the success of this team, especially with high expectations as defending NFC South champions.
Curhan has a chance to not necessarily be the answer, but an answer to the interior guard depth issues.
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