CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers will open the regular season without both starting offensive tackles.But that hasn’t dampened general manager Dan Morgan’s enthusiasm or confidence.He thinks the team has the depth to stay competitive until they return.Carolina is looking to build off last season’s momentum when the franchise snapped a seven-year playoff drought and won the NFC South — albeit with a losing record (8-9).Morgan said things are headed in the right direction after years of struggles.“If you look at our roster, I think our depth has gotten a lot better, our talent has gotten better and the culture in the locker room and in the building is in a really good place, " Morgan said Wednesday as the team’s veteran players reported to training camp. That depth will be tested early on. Left tackle Ickey Ekwonu is still recovering from a ruptured patellar tendon he sustained in Carolina’s 34-31 wild-card loss to the Los Angeles Rams in January. The No. 6 overall pick in the draft in 2022 is expected to miss multiple games, but Morgan said he’s optimistic he’ll be back at some point this season.
On Tuesday, Carolina ruled out right tackle Taylor Moton for the start of the season after doctors discovered a blood clot in his lung last month. He could miss a few games, but the team’s bigger concern is his overall health following the scare.In the meantime, the Panthers have a huge void up front.Moton and Ekwonu have started a combined 192 games. Moton has been a reliable starter for nine seasons; Ekwonu four.
