The Carolina Panthers have been dealt a devastating blow just before training camp begins later this month.
It was revealed this Tuesday that Panthers offensive tackle Taylor Moton was diagnosed with blood clots in his lung. He's receiving treatment and is expected to return at some point during the 2026 season, but he'll be sidelined until further notice.
"Panthers RT Taylor Moton is receiving treatment for blood clots and starts training camp on non-football injury list," NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe reported. "Moton expected to miss start of season but belief is he plays in 2026. Panthers OTs Rasheed Walker and 1st rd pick Monroe Freeling as top options to play."
What makes this such a tough pill for Carolina to swallow is the fact that Moton is incredibly reliable. He started in 15 of 17 games last season, and if you look at his career as a whole, he's appeared in 145 games since 2017.
On the bright side, the Panthers have a talented option right behind him on the depth chart in Monroe Freeling. The 19th overall pick earned All-SEC honors at Georgia during 2025 college football season.
© Bob Donnan-Imagn Images.
Fans praying for Taylor Moton.
Carolina fans are understandably saddened by this update on Moton. As you'd imagine, they're hoping he makes a full and speedy recovery.
"Man that's awful," one fan wrote on X. "Prayers up for TMo for a speedy recovery."
"Brutal. Hope he's alright. Blood clots can be scary," a second fan commented.
"Tough for Moton and the Panthers. At least he is expected to play this season still," a third fan wrote "Looks like Monroe Freeling and Rasheed Walker will both start for Carolina this season."
The Panthers will begin their 2026 campaign on Sept. 13 against the Chicago Bears.
