Carolina Panthers starting right tackle Taylor Moton will miss the beginning of the regular season after being diagnosed with a blood clot in his lung in late June, the team announced Tuesday. Moton was placed on the non-football injury list before the start of training camp.
The 31-year-old has been placed on blood thinners and is undergoing daily assessments. While medical staff indicate he is responding well to treatment, he will not be ready for Week 1. He is, however, expected to return at some point during the year.
Moton, a second-round pick in 2017, has been a consistent presence on the Panthers' offensive line, starting every game from 2018 to 2023. He missed three games in 2024 and one last season. In the 2025 season, Moton allowed just three sacks and 22 pressures across 558 pass-blocking snaps.
Moton's injury adds to the Panthers' offensive line concerns. Starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu is also expected to miss the start of training camp due to a knee injury sustained during the team's playoff loss last season. To address these potential gaps, the Panthers may turn to free agent signee Rasheed Walker or first-round pick Monroe Freeling. Walker, a left tackle, could replace Ekwonu, while Freeling might step in for Moton on the right side.
In a separate injury update, cornerback Jaycee Horn will begin training camp on the non-football injury list. Horn sustained a cut on his foot that required stitches but is expected to be activated early in camp, according to the team.
Moton's absence is considered a significant blow for the Panthers as they aim to repeat as NFC South champions.