Carolina Panthers starting right tackle Taylor Moton was diagnosed with a blood clot in his lung in late June 2026 and will miss at least the start of the 2026 NFL regular season [1, 2, 3]. The 31-year-old, entering his 10th NFL season—all with the Panthers since being drafted in 2017—has been placed on the non-football injury list and is currently on blood thinners, with daily medical assessments showing a positive response to treatment [1, 2, 3].
Moton is expected to miss the start of training camp and the beginning of the regular season but could return at some point during the campaign, though the full duration of his absence remains unclear [1, 2, 3]. A blood clot in the lung is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition, but most patients recover fully with proper treatment [2].
To fill the gap at right tackle while Moton is sidelined, the Panthers may rely on Monroe Freeling, their 18th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, who could step in at the position [1, 2, 3].
Meanwhile, left tackle Ikem Ekwonu remains out recovering from a ruptured patellar tendon suffered in the January 2026 wild-card playoff loss. He is likely to miss the start of training camp and could be sidelined for an extended period during the season [1, 2, 3]. To address Ekwonu's absence, Carolina signed veteran left tackle Rasheed Walker in March 2026 free agency, who is expected to be the starting left tackle while Ekwonu recovers [1, 2, 3].
Cornerback Jaycee Horn was also placed on the non-football injury list due to a cut on his foot requiring stitches but is expected to return early in training camp [1, 2, 3].
The Panthers face a challenging start to training camp with key players sidelined but will monitor Moton's progress with regular medical evaluations as he continues treatment. They will rely on younger players like Freeling and veterans like Walker to fill crucial offensive line roles while Moton and Ekwonu recover.
