CHARLOTTE, NC — The Panthers will be down two more key players moving forward after having to place centers Ryan Kalil and Gino Gradkowski on injured reserve.
Kalil was taken out the Panthers game against the Saints in Week 11 due to a shoulder injury, and did not make the trip out West for Sunday’s game against the Raiders. Coaches say Kalil also will not travel for this Sunday’s game against Seattle.
Gradkowski, who has filled in for Kalil since his injury, was also taken out of Sunday’s game against the Raiders after succumbing to a knee injury.
The Panthers will now be looking to Tyler Larsen, who finished out Sunday’s loss to the Raiders, to fill in at center during Kalil and Gradkowski’s absence.
In a order to provide some cushion on the depth chart, the Panthers signed center Ryan Wendell and offensive tackle Dan France to two open spots on the active roster.
Officials say France could be needed during Sunday’s game against Seattle after the loss of starting right tackle Daryl Williams during the Raiders game due to an ankle injury. That injury forced a few key moves on the depth chart including right guard Trai Turner to right tackle and lineman Chris Scott to Turner’s old position.
According to reports, Coach Rivera says that everyone has played well in their new roles despite a difficult set of circumstances.
