The Panthers have had a slew of problems on their way to a 3-6-1 record this season, but few loom as large as the ineffective offensive line.
One of the issues plaguing the line has been a lack of continuity because of injuries and that won’t change this week. The team listed left guard Amini Silatolu as doubtful for Sunday’s game because of a knee injury, but coach Ron Rivera all but ruled him out on Friday when he said, via Steve Reed of the Associated Press, that Andrew Norwell will start in Silatolu’s place against the Falcons.
That makes six different starting offensive lines in the last six weeks for Carolina, which probably won’t do much to help their performance a week after Cam Newton was sacked nine times by the Eagles.
The Panthers did rule out defensive tackle Star Lotulelei (ankle), as expected, and they listed defensive end Charles Johnson (non-injury) as questionable although he is expected to play. Running backs Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams are both probable to run the ball behind that makeshift line.
