Monroe Freeling (knee) limited on Thursday

The good news is that offensive tackle Taylor Moton is active for the first time this year. He missed the first month of the season while recovering from treatment for a blood clot. He will start at right tackle in place of Freeling.

The rookie got in back-to-back limited sessions, but they must have indeed been quite limited for him to wind up with the rarely-used doubtful tag. It’s very unlikely he plays this weekend. Taylor Moton (blood clot) is questionable after three full practices and would seem to be the favorite to start at right tackle.

Moton is tentatively on track to make his return from injured reserve this week. Meanwhile, RT Monroe Freeling (knee) sat out on Wednesday. Panthers DT Tershawn Wharton (neck) is practicing in full, while EDGE Jaelan Phillips (hamstring) was limited.

Phillips went down with a hamstring injury late in Sunday’s game against the Lions and didn’t return to the field. For a player with Phillips’ injury history, there were immediate concerns regarding the severity of the injury, but with a Week 5 bye on tap, the hope is Phillips won’t miss much time, if any. Phillips has totaled two sacks in his first four games of the season. In addition to Phillips, the team is also hopeful that OT Monroe Freeling (knee) will be able to return in Week 6.

The Panthers entered the season down both of their starting tackles. They will also be without left guard Damien Lewis this week. Getting Freeling back is a big win for Bryce Young and the offense. Freeling has struggled in pass protection so far but is serviceable in the run game.

Legette will miss a second straight game with his knee injury. He has caught just two passes for 64 yards on six targets this season and wouldn’t be on the fantasy radar even if he were active. In addition to Legette, the Panthers also ruled out OG Damien Lewis (elbow) for Week 4 against the Lions while OT Monroe Freeling (concussion), DT Lee Hunter (foot), and DT Cam Jackson (knee) were all listed as questionable.

NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported earlier this week that stud Panthers LG Damien Lewis (elbow) will be out “a few weeks.” The Panthers have a fantasy-friendly matchup against the Lions this week, but Freeling’s health is worth tracking.

He’s joined by CB Jaycee Horn, who cut his foot while running and required stitches. Horn’s injury is expected to be a minor one. Moton, on the other hand, is expected to miss the start of the season and the “belief” is he’ll play in 2026. The Panthers later clarified that Moton is hopeful to return from clotting in his lung at “mid-season.” Rookie first-round tackle Monroe Freeling figures to step in for Moton early.

The giant Freeling will be blocking for the diminutive Bryce Young in Carolina. The Panthers offensive line in 2025 were graded by PFF as the league’s 17th best pass blocking unit. Freeling (6’7/315) enters the 2026 NFL Draft as one of the most physically gifted offensive linemen in the class, boasting rare movement skills and length for the position. The Bulldogs tackle brings a prototype frame at roughly 6-7, 315 pounds with nearly 35-inch arms, pairing that length with elite athletic traits highlighted by a freakish 9.99 Relative Athletic Score, including a 4.93s forty, 33.5-inch vertical and 9’7” broad jump. Freeling’s athleticism shows up consistently on tape, showing advanced movement capabilities in space, executing reach blocks, lead assignments and screen duties while displaying the quick feet to mirror edge rushers in pass protection. After a developmental sophomore season, Freeling made a major leap in 2025, posting an 86.1 PFF pass-blocking grade while allowing just two sacks and eight total pressures across 469 pass-blocking snaps. His length, quick redirect ability and fluidity passing off twists make him particularly effective against speed rushers and stunts. However, Freeling can struggle to maintain leverage and hand placement at times, with inconsistent run-blocking landmarks and occasional balance issues when he leans into contact.