Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Daryl Williams dodged a bullet.
An MRI on Monday confirmed the rookie sprained the MCL in his right knee during Sunday’s season opener in Jacksonville. Williams is expected to miss two to four weeks, which isn't great, but it could have been much worse.
On the first and only play of his NFL debut, the fourth-round pick was hurt while blocking on the right side during the Panthers' opening field goal. Because he couldn’t walk off under his own power and was immediately ruled out for the rest of game, there was some concern about a season-ending injury.
"It's better than a torn MCL or ACL," Williams said while limping through the locker room Monday afternoon.
"It's crazy how it happened, me and coach just watched it. Three guys tried to pull me back and right when the ball was kicked and went into the uprights, a guy just fell into the back of my knees. It was just bad luck."
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Williams said he once missed four-to-six weeks while at Oklahoma when he sprained the same MCL and "that one was worse."
A four-week timeframe would force him to miss games against the Texans, Saints and Bucs before the bye week. He'd then return in Week 6 when the Panthers face the Seahawks.
With Williams out, Michael Oher and Mike Remmers are the only healthy tackles currently on Carolina's roster. Nate Chandler was inactive against the Jaguars after his surgically repaired knee flared up last week.
Guard Amini Silatolu, who was active but didn't play Sunday, will likely see increased practice time at tackle. Reserve lineman Chris Scott could help out there as well.
Should have brought in Jake Long.
Should have brought in Jake Long.
Could have been much worse.
Could have been much worse.
Am I the only person wondering why Ron Rivera opted to give Mike Remmers the start over Williams? Williams was the top rated tackle in the NFL in the preseason, against starters. The only thing I can figure is that Rivera is far too faithful to anyone who has ANY prior experience with the team. To that point, I should also mention that Cameron Artis Payne did not get one single carry. It took 12 weeks for Rivera to learn his lesson and begin playing young talent. I just hope he isn’t headed down the same path.
Great point. In terms of the offense a new bit of energy could really make a difference. Those two are talented.
I may be way off base here but I bet Rivera did it because he is the head coach and knows his players much better than those who are always second guessing him.
Because Remmers, who played way more snaps with the starters did nothing to get his spot taken away. Ron Rivera is probably big on making his players actually earn a spot. I love Williams and he will be very good, but give Remmers credit where it’s due, hes really stepped up and looked the part.
Remmers over Williams was an experience-based decision. I think it’s clear that Williams is more talented than Remmers, particularly in the run game. After watching the replay, it also looks like Remmers is the one who pushes Chris Clemons down and into Williams’ knee after the kick. It was unnecessary, IMO… and costly. Thankfully, we have the bye coming up in Week 5, so hopefully Williams can fully heal and be ready for Seattle in Week 6… and we can be 4-0 headed into the bye.
CAP getting carries would help both CAP AND Stewart because the defense can’t get used to one running style and vision pattern. Hopefully Shula rectifies this against Houston.
Am I the only person wondering why Ron Rivera opted to give Mike Remmers the start over Williams? Williams was the top rated tackle in the NFL in the preseason, against starters. The only thing I can figure is that Rivera is far too faithful to anyone who has ANY prior experience with the team. To that point, I should also mention that Cameron Artis Payne did not get one single carry. It took 12 weeks for Rivera to learn his lesson and begin playing young talent. I just hope he isn’t headed down the same path.
Great point. In terms of the offense a new bit of energy could really make a difference. Those two are talented.
I may be way off base here but I bet Rivera did it because he is the head coach and knows his players much better than those who are always second guessing him.
Because Remmers, who played way more snaps with the starters did nothing to get his spot taken away. Ron Rivera is probably big on making his players actually earn a spot. I love Williams and he will be very good, but give Remmers credit where it’s due, hes really stepped up and looked the part.