Carolina Panthers running back D’Onta Foreman was having himself a busy afternoon on Sunday. With the offense sputtering through the air against a tough New Orleans Saints defense, the fifth-year rusher was dialed up for 12 carries through just 33 minutes of play.
Well, the Panthers won’t be able to call on him anymore in Week 18.
After getting stuffed on what would be his final attempt of the day, Foreman returned serve on a strike from Saints defensive end Marcus Davenport. The two were tossed only three minutes into the second half.
#Panthers RB D'Onta Foreman and #Saints DE Marcus Davenport were ejected for throwing punches.
And yes, both players were wearing helmets. pic.twitter.com/kS4lHBJHFw
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 8, 2023
Foreman’s ejection kept him at 68 rushing yards for the game. He now ends his breakout campaign with 914 rushing yards and five touchdowns—both career-highs for the former third-round pick.
Carolina wouldn’t wallow their loss, though. The Panthers capped off that very possession with their first points of the contest.
After quarterback Sam Darnold fumbled a run right before hitting the goal line, guard Michael Jordan—who came in for an injured Brady Christensen—recovered the loose ball for a touchdown to help knot things up at seven apiece.
MJ came through with the TD 🙌 pic.twitter.com/sYfkEIGu84
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) January 8, 2023
It was the first fumble recovery for a touchdown by a Panthers offensive lineman ever.