David Chao, MD
2 min read • August 05, 2022
Posted in
2021 record: 5-12 | 2022 FanDuel O/U win total: 6.5
The Carolina Panthers struggled in 2021 as a result of poor quarterback play and star running back Christian McCaffrey being out with injury.
Carolina brought back its former starting quarterback Cam Newton in hopes to resurrect his career and to provide a spark to the offense — that did not last long. Sam Darnold was not much of a solution either. He threw 13 interceptions and 9 interceptions in 12 games.
The team now acquired Baker Mayfield from the Browns and drafted Matt Corral out of Ole Miss to find its future quarterback. While there is no clear indication who will be the starting quarterback Week 1, McCaffrey is expected to be back without any injury limitations.
Top receivers D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson aim to have big years with improved quarterback play. They enter the season without any injury concerns.
Panthers rookie offensive tackle and potential starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu played the second half of the 2021 season with a shoulder harness. A harness like that is typically necessary for players dealing with shoulder instability from a labral tear. The left tackle can play out the season with the tear and have surgery in the offseason. In the meantine, Ekwonu is participating in training camp. The Docs said they do not believe the shoulder harness will much of an issue for the rookie.
On defense, starting weakside linebacker Shaq Thompson and cornerback Jaycee Horn are starting training on the PUP list. He had a knee scope in the offseason but should be fully recovered once the season starts. Our team of Pro Football Docs said Horn may also start the season on the PUP list.
Over the last two seasons, McCaffrey has missed 23 of 33 games because of injuries. The list of injuries include a high ankle sprain, right shoulder sprain, a thigh strain, a hamstring sprain and an ankle sprain. It was the ankle injury that prematurely ended the star running back’s season.
The 26 year old, however, is entering this season with a clean bill of health and should be productive. In those 10 games appearances, the former Stanford running back averaged 115.9 yards from scrimmage. Hopefully the quarterback situation improves in Carolina so McCaffrey will not have to carry the Carolina offense as the main receiving and rushing threat.
The second-year cornerback only appeared in three games before he broke his right foot. While head coach Matt Rhule said at training camp Horn's injury should not be an issue, Horn will probably not be able to play during the first few weeks of the season.
Mayfield is healthy after recovering from labrum surgery on his non-throwing shoulder. The former Browns quarterback suffered a torn labrum while attempting to tackle after throwing an interception. He elected to play through the Week 2 injury, which lingered throughout the season and impacted his play. Mayfield finished the year with 17 touchdowns, 13 interceptions and a dismal 35.1 QB rating.
The starting left guard was placed on the injured reserve in September last season because of a hamstring injury. He returned from IR in November and did not experience any lingering effects. He has previously dealt with thumb, ankle and shoulder injuries, which the latter of the two he needed surgery for.
Written by David Chao, MD
Christian McCaffrey practicing after yesterday’s day off.
