Panthers suffer losses: Hunt and Corbett to the injured list

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Carolina Panthers are forced to make significant adjustments to their lineup following injuries sustained by two of their key players during Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals, resulting in a 27-22 loss.

Significant Losses on the Offensive Line

Starting guard Robert Hunt and center Austin Corbett will be placed on the injured reserve list, representing a tough blow for the team. Hunt will undergo surgery on his left biceps, an injury that usually requires a season-ending recovery, according to coach Dave Canales. Corbett suffered a “Grade 3” injury to the medial collateral ligament (MCL) of his left knee, the same one he had already undergone surgery on for MCL and ACL injuries in 2022 and 2023. This type of injury involves a complete rupture of the ligament, and treatment can vary from physical therapy and rest to surgery, with a recovery time that generally exceeds six weeks. Canales has not confirmed whether Corbett will need surgery, but does not rule out his possible return at the end of the season. Cade Mays, who had already started in eight games last season, will fill the center position this Sunday in the home opener against the Atlanta Falcons. Chandler Zavala, selected in the fourth round in 2023, will replace Hunt. The Panthers, with a 0-2 record, will face an Atlanta defense that achieved six sacks in their recent victory against the Minnesota Vikings.

“They are two pillars, two players we value a lot in the locker room, on the field, for their leadership, their positive attitude and their hard work. Without a doubt, we will feel their absence,” commented Canales.

Dave Canales

Corbett expressed his frustration after the injury, lamenting that this is his fourth consecutive season with a major injury. Coach Canales also confirmed that wide receiver Xavier Legette, despite a slow start, will remain in the lineup. Canales defended the player, highlighting his commitment and teamwork. Canales also said that wide receiver Xavier Legette, who had a reception for minus two yards on eight attempts on Sunday, would remain in the lineup despite a slow start. He defended the 2024 first-round pick for returning to the Carolina Panthers’ sideline while they were in a hurry-up offense and quarterback Bryce Young was urging his receiver to hurry. “This is a guy I really believe in because of the way he’s connected, the way he works, the way he keeps training,” Canales said. “So I’m going to keep encouraging him and I’ll be in his corner and push him to keep striving and working on his chemistry with Bryce.”