Update: The Panthers are expected to place Williams on injured reserve.
Per a league source, RT Daryl Williams will “likely” be put on injured reserve. Depending on recovery, Williams could be one of two players to return after 8-game period. Olsen will likely avoid injured reserve with the hopes that he could return late in the season.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) September 11, 2018
Today’s news coming out of Charlotte is decidedly not good in regards to Panthers right tackle Daryl Williams’ condition after sustaining a knee injury in the season opener against the Cowboys on Sunday. According to multiple sources, Williams will require surgery.
Panthers tight end Greg Olsen re-fractured his right foot, per team. Will try to rehab it. And RT Daryl Williams will have knee surgery.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) September 11, 2018
I’m told that although it’s the same knee for Daryl Williams, it’s a different injury (which Rivera mentioned on Sunday night). Had an MRI yesterday morning and then sought a second opinion; ultimately decided surgery would be best. He is in a contract year.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) September 11, 2018
Panthers head athletic trainer Ryan Vermillion has more on Williams’ condition:
“Daryl injured his right knee when a Cowboys player fell into the side of his knee. After evaluation, it is team physician Dr. Pat Connor’s recommendation that Daryl undergoes surgery to repair the injury.”
This is decidedly bad news, Panthers fans. When healthy, Williams is one of the better right tackles in the league, so losing a quality starter hurts no matter what position they play. However, losing Williams is worse for the Panthers’ long-term success in 2018 because his replacement is expected to be none other than Amini Silatolu.
You probably remember Silatolu’s impact in Sunday’s game against the Cowboys. In case you don’t, here’s a reminder:
4th Quarter 14:16 – Panthers 16, Cowboys 0. Panthers ball, extra point attempt
The Situation: Alex Armah’s touchdown to begin the fourth quarter should have put the Panthers up by three scores at 17-0, but then Amini happened.
The Play: Amini Silatolu lined up next to long snapper J.J. Jansen. As Jansen went to snap the ball, Silatolu stuck his foot right in the ball’s path, tipping the snap and botching the extra point. The Panthers now only led by two scores at 16-0.
While we fully expect Ron Rivera to “go with what he knows” and give the starting right tackle job to Silatolu for “reasons”, the Panthers will probably have to sign an offensive lineman for depth. If that happens, we’ll provide the information whenever it becomes available.
As for now, if you’re into this sort of thing—say a prayer or two for Cam Newton.
He’s gonna need it.
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