Injury news overshadows an intense, productive practice
John Ellis
the212
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – On a cooler, overcast Friday night, an otherwise routine practice for the Carolina Panthers ended with the unofficial presentation of some unsavory news.
It’s the type of news that nobody wants to hear about, and that every coach/GM/fan of a team dreads.
First came word from a team source that 6th round pick Zach Williams would miss his entire rookie season after sustaining a torn ACL in his left leg. The injury occurred during Thursday’s practice, and will set the rookie back in his progression, also leaving somewhat of a void for depth on the offensive line.
To follow, the same team source confirmed that Ron Edwards, a NT that was signed away from the Kansas City Chiefs, had torn his triceps. Although the team has yet to confirm the length of recovery time needed, the injury has historically sidelined players for a full season. If that is confirmed by head coach Ron Rivera on Saturday, it leaves Carolina with a considerable problem for arguably the team’s thinnest position—interior defensive lineman.
Edwards, who arrived in Wofford excited about the opportunity to be a “space-eater” in the middle of the line, had received rave reviews from Rivera just two days prior.
“We wanted a big body in front of our linebackers to run and get a chance to make plays downhill,” said Rivera of Edwards.
That responsibility, for at least the foreseeable future, will now rest on the broad shoulders of DT’s Sione Fua and Corvey Irvin. Fua, a rookie from Stanford, was drafted to fill this role initially, whereas Irvin—while showing progress in this 2011 camp—has appeared in just two regular season games in two seasons.
Rivera was unavailable for comment following Friday evening’s workout, but will reportedly address the media sometime Saturday when the team heads to Charlotte for Fanfest, a 4 pm scrimmage at Bank of America Stadium.
Given the fact that Carolina has limited salary cap space after taking care of many of their own free agents, General Manager Marty Hurney faces a potential conundrum.
Cornerback is another position of relative inexperience. Taking reps tonight with the first team were Cletis Gordon and CJ Wilson. Chris Gamble, the team’s lone proven veteran at the position, has yet to practice this week, due to an undisclosed illness.
So, how does Carolina attack their sudden defensive weaknesses? It’s a question that Hurney will need to address, and quickly. Speculation earlier this week had the Panthers interested in looking into a potential trade with Philadelphia for Pro-Bowl CB Asante Samuel. Those rumors have cooled, primarily due to Samuel’s high-dollar contract that would need to be restructured.
Carlos Rogers from Washington was another name mentioned, but ended up signing with the 49ers earlier in the week.
It would appear that Carolina is poised to stick with what they have at CB, and hope that Gamble’s health issues won’t stunt his otherwise steady presence at the position.
Gordon is a player to keep an eye on. He played under Rivera in San Diego, and could very well end up as the 3rd corner, or, depending on the play of the suspected #2 corner Captain Munnerlyn, Gordon might find himself in the starting lineup.
As for DT, the logical bet is the Panthers will shop around the thinning free agent market for an interior lineman that fits Edwards’ skill set. One name to keep in mind is former Charger NT Ian Scott, who last played in 2009. A native of Greenville, Scott would come in with tangible experience in Rivera’s system. Ma’ake Kemoeatu, the former Panther who was just released by Washington, could also be considered a candidate for replacing Edwards.
There will be plenty of speculation, and as soon as news breaks on a replacement for both injured players, we will bring you the latest.
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