CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- It seemed like a no-brainer two months ago that the Carolina Panthers would activate Matt Kalil, their $55.5 million left tackle, as soon as he was eligible to return from injured reserve. The offensive line was a mess because of injuries.
Kalil was eligible to return on Monday.
There was no movement by the Panthers.
And according to coach Ron Rivera, there likely won't be with only a few days to prepare for Thursday's prime-time game in Pittsburgh (8:20 p.m. ET, Fox).
Even if this weren't a short week, it's unlikely the Panthers would have activated Kalil, the younger brother of starting center Ryan Kalil.