The Panthers will be down a key piece as they begin their quest to repeat as NFC South champions.
Starting right tackle Taylor Moton will miss regular season games after being diagnosed with a blood clot in lung in late June, the team said Tuesday.
Moton was placed on the non-football injury list before Panthers training camp.
Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Taylor Moton (72) reacts after an NFL game against the New York Jets on Oct. 19, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. AP Photo/Adam Hunger
The 31-year-old was put on blood thinners and daily assessments by the Panthers medical staff indicate he’s responding well to treatment, but won’t be ready for Week 1, though he’s expected back at some point during the year.
The 2017 second-round pick has been a staple on the Panthers offensive line over the last decade, being an every-week starter since 2018.
Moton played every game from 2018-23 before missing three games in 2024 and one last year.
Last season, Moton allowed just three sacks and 22 pressures in 558 pass-blocking snaps.
Moton isn’t the only Panthers offensive lineman dealing with an injury, as left tackle Ikem Ekwonu will likely miss the start of training camp with a knee injury he suffered in their playoff loss last season.
To possibly fill their voids, the Panthers could turn to Rasheed Walker (signed in free agency) and Monroe Freeling (first-round pick).
Walker is a left tackle that could replace Ekwonu, while Freeling could slot in for Moton on the right side to begin the season.
Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Taylor Moton (72) run blocks during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday, Jan 3, 2026, in Tampa, Fla. AP Photo/Peter Joneleit
In another blow, Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn will start training camp on the non-football injury list due to a cut on his foot that required stitches.
Horn is expected to be activated early in training camp, according to the team.
Moton’s injury is a significant blow for a Panthers team looking to take advantage and win a weak division for the second straight season.
