Carolina Panthers right tackle Taylor Moton is expected to miss time after being diagnosed with a blood clot in his lung, the team confirmed Tuesday. He has begun anticoagulant therapy and will be monitored closely by team doctors as training camp opens. The setback takes one of Carolina's steadiest starters off the field and instantly puts the Panthers' newly fortified depth chart under stress.
According to Panthers.com, Moton was diagnosed in late June, was "immediately placed on blood thinners" and is "responding well to treatment" while being checked daily by the medical staff. The club says the treatment will sideline him for part of the regular season, but it expects him to return at some point during the year, with his status evaluated day to day as camp progresses.
Camp Roster Moves And Schedule
The Panthers will place Moton on the reserve/non-football injury list to begin camp. Cornerback Jaycee Horn will also open on the NFI list after suffering a cut on his foot that required stitches, as reported by NFL.com. Carolina's preseason starts in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 6 against the Arizona Cardinals in Canton, per the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Backup Plans For The Line
Offseason moves give Carolina at least a fighting chance to absorb Moton's absence. The front office signed veteran Rasheed Walker and spent its first-round pick on Georgia tackle Monroe Freeling, additions the club says provide workable options and flexibility at tackle, according to Panthers.com. What looked like luxury depth a few months ago is now the core of the contingency plan.
What A Pulmonary Blood Clot Means
A blood clot in the lung, known medically as a pulmonary embolism, occurs when a clot blocks an artery in the lung. Treatment typically focuses on anticoagulant medications to keep existing clots from growing and to prevent new ones from forming, according to the Mayo Clinic. Because blood thinners increase bleeding risk and athletes face sport-specific contact concerns, teams often take a cautious approach and hold players out of contact until doctors are comfortable clearing them, a point underscored by the National Blood Clot Alliance's Stop the Clot program.
What To Watch Next
Moton will continue to be evaluated daily by Carolina's medical staff. The team maintains that he is expected to return during the season, while NFL.com has reported that the move will keep him out at the start of the year. Initial reporting on Moton's diagnosis appeared at WCNC, and Panthers fans will be watching team medical updates closely for any changes to his timetable.
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