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For the first time in a decade, the Carolina Panthers returned to the top of the NFC South. Their breakout season ended in January with a wild-card thriller at home, where they brought Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams to the brink.
After exercising Bryce Young’s fifth-year option and adding key pieces across the roster, the Panthers enter 2026 with higher expectations as the team seeks a second straight division title. But Carolina’s offensive line took another hit Tuesday, creating the latest test for a unit tasked with protecting the former No. 1 overall pick.
Taylor Moton, the Panthers’ veteran starting right tackle, will be sidelined when the regular season begins in September. Moton learned in late June that doctors had discovered a blood clot in his left lung. The Panthers confirmed Tuesday that the 31-year-old will miss the start of the season.
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Taylor Moton No. 72 of the Carolina Panthers watches during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, on Nov. 9, 2023. (Ryan Kang/Getty Images)
Moton’s setback comes as starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu is still recovering from a torn patellar tendon in his right knee. Ekwonu suffered the injury during the Panthers’ playoff game.
Ekwonu underwent emergency appendectomy surgery last August.
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Moton was moved to the non-football injured list, joining two-time Pro Bowl defensive back Jaycee Horn.
The cornerback missed a Week 12 game against the San Francisco 49ers last season, but finished the year with 16 game appearances. Horn landed on the non-football injured list this week after cutting his foot while running, according to the Panthers.
Jaycee Horn (8) of the Carolina Panthers watches during the first half of the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams at Bank of America Stadium on January 10, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (David Jensen/Getty Images)
After the diagnosis, Moton was prescribed blood thinners and the team said he had responded well to the treatment. Carolina’s medical staff continues to monitor the veteran lineman day to day.
The Panthers had already moved to protect on the left side, signing veteran tackle Rasheed Walker in March as a possible replacement for Ekwonu. Moton’s absence could now create an opening on the right side for Monroe Freeling, the offensive tackle Carolina selected with the 18th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Panthers wasted little time addressing the left side of the offensive line, signing Rasheed Walker in March as insurance for Ekwonu. The following month, Carolina doubled down by selecting Monroe Freeling in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Taylor Moton (72) during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on November 24, 2025. (Kyle Terada/Image Images)
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The Panthers selected Moton in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan. He has spent all nine seasons of his NFL career with Carolina.
