Panthers digging deep into OL depth chart during preseason

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Carolina Panthers need extra help.

With their top two offensive tackles out for the start of the 2026 NFL regular season and both starting guards hobbled throughout the opening three weeks of training camp, Bryce Young could be fronted by at least four different linemen when the fourth-year quarterback opens Saturday's preseason matchup against the host Buffalo Bills.

Young did not sound concerned, pointing to the reserves' role during the 33-30 Hall of Fame Game victory Aug. 6. With third- and fourth-stringers fueling the comeback, undrafted free agent quarterback Haynes King, benefitting from key blocks by backup center Nick Samac, scored the game-winning touchdown as time expired in Canton, Ohio.

"The culture in that room as been strong ever since I've been here," Young said after Sunday's practice. "Over the years, there's been so much shuffling ... guys knowing it's next man up. People have to step up."

Like Samac.

Panthers overcoming injuries to top offensive linemen

The second-year undrafted free agent executed fourth-quarter blocks on Miles Davis' 36-yard run and Haynes' 26-yard scamper. Serving as a C3, Samac also helped maintain a clean pocket. He also spent time cross-training at guard during recent practices at the fields behind Bank of America Stadium.

The extra work was needed with top tackles Taylor Moton (blood clots) and Ikem Ekwonu (knee) sidelined indefinitely and guards Robert Hunt (back) and Damien Lewis (calf) missing time during training camp.

"We've asked him to learn multiple spots," Canales said. "He's taken that challenge. He's taken that challenge on really well and I love what he's doing at center.

"But, as we all know, the more that you can do across the board gives you a better chance to make the team."

MORE: 2026 NFL Draft: Panthers' first-round pick Monroe Freeling makes introductions

Along with Samac, the third team was comprised mostly of tackles Stone Forsythe and Albert Reese and guards Isaia Glass and Joshua Gray during Wednesday's practice.

After the starting offensive unit engineers between 10-20 plays Saturday during the grand opening of the Bills' new $2.2 billion Highmark Stadium, the reserves are expected to play most of the snaps. 

"I'm proud of that group going in there (Aug. 6), just a mixed group of guys, being able to finish the game," Canales said. "It was great to see our guys sustain those drives."

Can they show more against the Bills?

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