Panthers plan practice windows for Moton and Wharton after bye

The Panthers plan to open practice windows this week for offensive tackle Taylor Moton and defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton, coach Dave Canales told reporters Monday. The move would bring two veterans back into practice as Carolina prepares to visit Philadelphia after its bye.

The NFL’s Monday update identifies Moton’s absence as blood clots and Wharton’s as a neck injury. Opening the window starts the return process; it does not establish that either player will suit up against the Eagles.

The distinction follows Canales’ comments before the bye. In the team’s October 5 report, he said Moton and Wharton had reached the point where the staff had pushed their physical preparation as far as it could, while medical clearance remained necessary. Monday’s planned return to practice is a further step from that earlier position.

Carolina’s offensive line has other injuries to work around. Rookie tackle Monroe Freeling hurt his knee in the Week 4 win over Detroit, while left tackle Ikem Ekwonu has continued recovering from a patellar tendon tear. The team’s October 5 account said Ekwonu still had more work ahead in the return program.

Moton’s progress would give the Panthers another option at tackle, while Wharton’s return would add a veteran to the defensive front. Their actual workloads and any subsequent activation decisions will show how quickly those options become available.

Sources

NFL: Monday injury updates · Medical clearance before the bye · NBC: Carolina plans practice returns