Zane Gonzalez saw his 2021 season shortened when the Carolina Panthers traveled to Orchard Park, N.Y. for a Week 15 matchup with the Buffalo Bills. The veteran kicker sustained a quad injury during warmups, leading to a frantic, impromptu series of tryouts to replace him.
Unfortunately, we may have a very similar situation on our hands.
While taking practice kicks on the sideline during the third quarter of Friday night’s preseason finale against, yes, the Bills—Gonzalez went down to the turf. He then immediately grabbed at his groin/right thigh area and would subsequently be carted away into the locker room.
This doesn’t look good. pic.twitter.com/ilhliIIcet
— Carolina Blitz (@KeepBlitzin) August 27, 2022
K Zane Gonzalez just got down while warming up by himself on the sideline.
He was carted off with what seemed like a right thigh/groin injury.
No-contact injuries are always scary. Hoping it's not that serious. pic.twitter.com/RerfSaB07q
— The Riot Report (@RRiotReport) August 27, 2022
This is, obviously, not an ideal development—for Gonzalez or the Panthers. With exhibition play concluding tonight, the search for a replacement—if needed—will likely be a tough one.
As far as his immediate replacement, punter Johnny Hekker took up for his fellow specialist—nailing an extra point attempt following a 1-yard touchdown run by quarterback Sam Darnold. Gonzalez’s return, as announced later in the quarter, is deemed as questionable.
Carolina, in addition, ruled out defensive tackle Derrick Brown with an oblique injury and tight end Giovanni Ricci with a groin injury of his own.
