The beleaguered offensive line has been a constant source of headache for fans over the last two season. It always seems that costly injuries crop up at the worst possible times, and I can't imagine the worst time for the injury bug to bite the Panthers OL than this week heading into their first divisional match-up of the 2011 season. An opportunistic Gregg Williams' defense has no problem getting after the quarterback as they have amassed 13 sacks in their first four games.
Name | Position | Injury | Wed. practice |
Gamble, Chris | CB | Head | Full |
Hangartner, Geoff | G | Back | DNP |
Otah, Jeff | T | Back | DNP |
Shockey, Jeremy | TE | Head | DNP |
There's little denying how much these injuries could effect Sunday's game. The right side of the Panthers OL and the blocking TE are extremely concerning. It appears the tightness Jeff Otah has been battling has reared it's head again, so hopefully he can shake it off by Sunday like he did last week. Similarly starting RG Geoff Hangartner is experiencing similar back issues.
A look at the New Orleans' Saints injuries after the jump
Name | Position | Injury | Wed. practice |
Henderson, Devery | WR | Calf | Limited |
Herring, Will | LB | Hamstring | DNP |
Kreutz, Olin | C | Knee | DNP |
Strief, Zach | T | Knee | DNP |
Thomas, David | TE | Concussion | DNP |
Vilma, Jonathan | LB | Knee | Limited |
Wilson, Martez | LB | Neck | Limited |
The story for New Orleans is equally bad on the offensive line with starting center Olin Kreutz, and starting RT Zach Strief. This should be an interesting weekend if both teams are without two starters on their OL.