The Carolina Panthers faced a series of injuries to their offensive line during Sunday’s 40-9 loss to the Buffalo Bills, complicating an already challenging season for the group.
Right guard Brady Christensen suffered what head coach Dave Canales described as a “significant” Achilles injury. The team also lost right tackle Taylor Moton to a knee injury, with further tests needed to determine its severity. Center Cade Mays exited in the first half after injuring his ankle and spent most of the game on the sidelines.
Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu spoke about the impact of losing key teammates: “Any time you see guys going down like that, it’s always tough to see,” Ekwonu said. “Like those are the guys that you work with the whole offseason, you’re on a shared mission together, especially some of those guys that have been here for the long haul, seeing the ups and downs of this program.
“It’s definitely tough losing some of those guys that are part of the blood and the bricks.”
Earlier in the season, Carolina had managed to adapt despite frequent changes in their starting lineup. They used six different combinations in seven games but had returned Damien Lewis from injury this week. Before Sunday’s game, they ranked third in rushing yards and eighth in sacks allowed per pass play.
By game’s end, however, reserves were pressed into action: Austin Corbett replaced Mays at center; Yosh Nijman filled in for Moton at right tackle; Jake Curhan—signed midseason from Arizona’s practice squad—finished for Christensen.
Corbett reflected on how injuries have affected team cohesion: “We’ve got to wait till all tests come back, but guys are sticking together; the bonds in that room are strong,” he said. “The love we have for one another, we’ll just stay strong, keep praying, keep all the families in our hearts, and we’ll figure it out, and we’ll go from there.
“I mean, so many rotations already in that starting five that there’s going to be no hiccup of getting in there. It’s just a matter of who’s going to be the five come next week.”
Both Corbett and Christensen have experienced significant injuries before. In 2022 they started every game until both were injured during the finale—Christensen broke his ankle while Corbett tore his ACL. Since then both players have dealt with additional setbacks including torn biceps and knee sprains.
Mays emphasized Christensen’s professionalism: “It hurts,” Mays said. “He’s having a hell of a year, and you know, just to see that happen, it’s terrible. I feel for him. I’m going to go see him here in a second. He’s always kept it really professional, no matter where his position is on the line.
“I mean, he’s been having a hell of a year, and he’s a pro’s pro. He shows up every day, no matter what’s asked of him. He does it to the best of his ability, and you can’t ask for much more than that.”
The Panthers now face roster challenges beyond morale concerns. Besides those who finished Sunday’s game—Corbett included—the only other lineman on their active roster is Nick Samac (recently signed off Baltimore’s practice squad). On their practice squad are Brandon Walton (who has reached his promotion limit) and Saahdiq Charles (35 games played), along with rookie Michael Tarquin who was recently released from practice squad duties.
Ekwonu summed up sentiments as Christensen left on a medical scooter: “Yeah, that’s tough,” Ekwonu said. “That’s definitely tough. Obviously Brady’s been a warrior for us… Ultimate warrior sacrifices his body week in and week out so it’s definitely unfortunate for him… wishing him best honestly… hopefully he gets around family gets around loved ones… yeah it’s definitely tough.”
