You don’t often see teams just simply part ways with a starting offensive lineman, especially in today’s NFL. But the Carolina Panthers did it on Tuesday.
Calvin Throckmorton, who had started the last three games at left guard, was released yesterday afternoon. Head coach Frank Reich was asked about the move on Wednesday.
“Hard decision,” Reich replied. “Throck did a good job as a veteran comin’ in here. Very dependable, very smart player. Chandler [Zavala] had been our starter and he got injured and we’re developin’ young guys the whole time. Hey, you never know how this league works out, Throck could be back here sooner rather than later. You never know how things go. But love the contribution that he made and the person he is.”
Reich confirmed that Zavala will resume his starting role at left guard, beginning here in Week 11 against the Dallas Cowboys. The 2023 fourth-round pick has not played since being carted off with a neck injury in the Week 5 loss to the Detroit Lions.
Per Pro Football Focus, Zavala has allowed 27 pressures—the second-most on the team. They have also given the rookie a 9.6 pass-blocking grade, the second-lowest in their entire database for the season.
