The Carolina Panthers’ offensive line took a big hit Monday as head coach Dave Canales announced that starting right guard Robert Hunt and starting center Austin Corbett will be sidelined indefinitely.
Hunt, who tore his left bicep during the team’s 27-22 loss to Arizona Sunday, will have surgery. Corbett has a grade three MCL sprain on his left knee and it has not been determined if surgery will be required. Both will be placed on injured reserve with a designation to return – meaning they’ll be sidelined at least four weeks and can then enter a 21-day practice window before they must be activated to play again or placed on season-ending injured reserve.
“Two studs. Two guys what we count on in the locker room and on the field,” Canales said Monday afternoon. “Their leadership, their positivity and their hard work – we’re certainly going to miss those guys being out there.”
After yesterday’s game, Hunt said he knew he felt something happen in his left bicep, but would not speculate as to the severity of the injury.
Cade Mays will replace Corbett at center. Mays started eight games at that position for the Panthers’ last season and battled against Austin during training camp for the role heading into the season. Three-year veteran Chandler Zavala will start at right guard.