Panthers Shuffle Offensive Line Starters Ahead of Saints

Carolina Makes Multiple Changes to Address Struggles

The Carolina Panthers have made several changes to their offensive line in advance of their Week 3 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Right tackle Taylor Moton, who has been dealing with an ankle injury, has been ruled out for the game. Rookie Ickey Ekwonu will start in his place.

Center Bradley Bozeman, who has been battling a foot injury, has been placed on injured reserve. Rookie Cade Mays will start at center in his place. Right guard Austin Corbett will slide over to left guard, where he started the first two games of the season. Matt Paradis will start at right guard.

These changes come after the Panthers' offensive line struggled in the first two games of the season. The Panthers have allowed 10 sacks in those two games, which is tied for the third-most in the NFL.

Can the Panthers' Offensive Line Improve?

The Panthers are hoping that these changes will help their offensive line improve. Ekwonu is a highly-touted rookie who was the sixth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Mays was a second-round pick in the same draft. Paradis is a veteran who has started 106 games in his NFL career.

It remains to be seen whether these changes will be enough to help the Panthers' offensive line improve. The Saints have one of the best defenses in the NFL, so it will be a tough test for the Panthers' new-look line.

What to Watch For

Here are some things to watch for in the Panthers' game against the Saints:

• How does Ekwonu perform in his first NFL start?
• Can Mays hold his own at center?
• Will the Panthers' offensive line be able to protect quarterback Baker Mayfield?
• Can the Panthers' offense get going against the Saints' defense?

The Panthers and Saints will kick off at 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.