Panthers tackle Taylor Moton out after blood clot diagnosis
Carolina says Taylor Moton will miss regular-season time after a blood clot was found in his lung, adding to the team's tackle worries.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
2 min read
Carolina Panthers starting right tackle Taylor Moton will miss part of the regular season after doctors diagnosed him with a blood clot in his lung late last month, the team announced Tuesday.
The Panthers said Moton has been placed on blood thinners and is responding well to treatment. According to the team, its medical staff is evaluating him daily.
Carolina said Moton will go on the non-football injury list before training camp, a move that leaves the Panthers without one of their most established offensive linemen as camp opens.
Moton, 31, is heading into his 10th NFL season. He has spent his entire career with the Panthers, who drafted him in the second round in 2017.
Panthers dealing with tackle trouble
Moton’s absence comes while Carolina is also managing the status of left tackle Ikem Ekwonu. The Panthers’ left tackle is likely to miss at least the start of training camp after suffering a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee during Carolina’s wild-card playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams in January.
The Panthers added veteran left tackle Rasheed Walker in free agency in March, with the team viewing him as a possible replacement for Ekwonu in the lineup.
Carolina also used the No. 18 pick in the 2026 draft on offensive tackle Monroe Freeling. With Moton sidelined, Freeling could be an option at right tackle, according to the team’s roster situation described Tuesday.
The developments leave Carolina with questions at both tackle spots before camp has fully begun. Moton is out for regular-season time, Ekwonu is not expected to be ready at the start of camp, and the Panthers may have to lean quickly on Walker and Freeling.
Jaycee Horn also headed to NFI list
The Panthers also said cornerback Jaycee Horn will be placed on the non-football injury list before training camp.
Horn has a cut on his foot that required stitches, according to the team. Carolina said he is expected to be activated early in training camp.
The team did not announce a specific return date for Moton. For now, the Panthers said he remains under daily medical review while he continues treatment with blood thinners.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.