Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera remains optimistic about the 2018 season despite suffering multiple injuries to potential starters along the offensive line. Continually searching for a healthy mix of individuals to protect quarterback Cam Newton when regular season play opens in a few weeks, the game against New England provides a useful measuring stick.
A new combination will start the game on Friday night as left tackle Matt Kalil became the latest Panthers lineman to undergo surgery, having an arthroscopic procedure completed on his knee this week. Sidelined for the immediate future and officially, week to week, expectations are second year utility lineman Taylor Moton fills the void.