Taylor Moton blood clot puts Panthers OL in rough shape
By FF Beacon
This story was written by FF Beacon's automated news desk. Michael built the desk and oversees it.
Updated
Taylor Moton, the Carolina Panthers' starting right tackle, was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung) in late June 2025. The team announced the news on July 22, the day before training camp opened, and Adam Schefter reports Moton is expected to miss time into the regular season.
Moton, 31, has been placed on the reserve/non-football injury (NFI) list. He is on blood thinners and responding well to treatment, with Carolina's medical staff monitoring him daily. No return date has been set.
How bad is this for Carolina's offensive line?
Pretty bad. Moton has started 128 of 145 career games and graded as PFF's 14th-best offensive tackle among 84 qualifiers. He signed a two-year, $44 million contract extension last August.
The bigger problem is that this does not happen in isolation. Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu ruptured his patellar tendon in the playoffs and is expected to miss most or all of the 2026 season. Carolina could realistically open the year without both starting tackles in place.
The team has options, but none are proven. Rookie first-round pick Monroe Freeling (19th overall, Georgia) was drafted to compete at right tackle and has been cross-trained at both tackle spots. Veteran Rasheed Walker, signed from Green Bay, is in the mix at left tackle.
Fantasy football impact of the Taylor Moton injury
Moton carries no direct fantasy value, but his absence matters if you roster anyone in Carolina's offense.
Bryce Young, QB, Panthers, is the player to watch. Young took a real step forward in 2025, finishing as a QB19 with a career-high 23 touchdowns. Offensive line continuity was part of that progress. Replacing both starting tackles with a rookie and a journeyman creates genuine pass-protection risk heading into 2026.
Wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan and other Panthers pass-catchers could feel the downstream effects if the pocket becomes a problem for Young.
Carolina won the NFC South in 2025 at 8-9, so there is real optimism around this team. Watch how Freeling performs in camp before you commit to Panthers skill players with confidence in redraft or dynasty leagues.