Dave Canales had some good news to share as the Carolina Panthers returned from their bye week. The head coach confirmed that both right tackle Taylor Moton and defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton will have their 21-day return windows opened, which is a massive boost for the trenches on both sides of the ball.
The Panthers will still take things slowly with both. Canales knows they have missed a lot of football, so Carolina needs to see what sort of physical shape Moton and Wharton are in before taking the next steps.
But getting the green light to resume practice is a positive step in the right direction.
Carolina Panthers get massive trench boost with Taylor Moton and Tershawn Wharton's return to practice
With first-round rookie Monroe Freeling dealing with a knee injury, Canales admitted that Moton getting back involved is well-timed. He's a franchise cornerstone, and losing him to blood clots this summer was a body blow. Thankfully, his recovery has gone well, and the Western Michigan product will be eager to make up for some lost time.
Moton has missed months. But he is experienced enough to get back into the swing of things quickly.
And if Freeling cannot go this weekend against the Philadelphia Eagles, Moton's presence will be needed.
Wharton is another welcome returnee.
He hasn't been seen on the field since sustaining a neck injury that required surgery at the start of Carolina's offseason program. He needed time, but questions about the signing only grew.
Now, Wharton is back. And even though his situation must be monitored extremely closely, his presence on the defensive front will boost depth at the very least.
Carolina Panthers may need Taylor Moton immediately if Monroe Freeling can't go
And if everything goes as planned, he could even be back as a starter at 3-4 defensive end opposite Derrick Brown sooner rather than later.
Given the injury problems Carolina is dealing with elsewhere, having two important players back at practice is a major morale boost. Moton and Wharton might need time to find their football legs again, but it's all hands on deck as they defend an NFC South championship.
Moton is a pivotal part of the team's plans. The Panthers were probably expecting more from Wharton, but he could also be impactful with better luck on the health front.
And at a time when injuries are crippling teams around the NFL, these returns are significant for Carolina.
Hopefully, there are no further setbacks.
If the Panthers need to give them extra time, they will. But both Moton and Wharton will get every chance to prove their physical capabilities and overall fitness in the coming days before a winnable trip to Lincoln Financial Field.
And the importance of this cannot be overstated.
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