CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers right tackle Taylor Moton returned to practice in Charlotte on Tuesday for the first time since doctors discovered multiple blood clots in his right lung, giving the injury-thinned roster an emotional lift ahead of Sunday at Philadelphia.
The Panthers on Tuesday opened the 21-day practice windows for Moton, defensive tackle Turk Wharton and running back Trevor Etienne. Wide receiver Jalen Coker was also back after missing the Week 4 win over Detroit with a quadriceps injury. Moton, 32, said he is preparing as if he is going to play Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, with rookie right tackle Monroe Freeling dealing with a knee injury after starting the first four games.
Moton said symptoms began when he returned to Charlotte in late June after hosting a youth football camp in Lansing, Michigan, including chest congestion and coughing up blood. Tests found multiple clots in his right lung and dangerously high blood pressure. Team physician Dr. Nancy Gritter told him it would be months before he was cleared for contact, forcing him to miss training camp, the preseason and the start of the regular season.
He is off blood thinners, cleared for contact this week, and said he never considered retirement. Moton had played in 145 of a possible 146 games over his first nine seasons, with Jordan Gross the only Panthers offensive lineman with more starts. Coach Dave Canales said the energy from Moton and Wharton, who is returning from May neck surgery, was infectious at practice.
On the team site, a feature noted Taylor Moton is back, he’s grateful, and he’s ready to play football again, and that the veteran right tackle doesn’t know if he can play this week but feels lucky to have the chance after a serious summer medical situation. Panthers media also posted locker-room sound of Moton speaking after Tuesday practice as the club preps for the Week 6 road matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. The club placed defensive tackle Cam Jackson on season-ending IR Tuesday with a shoulder injury.
