CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Robert Hunt plans to become a Carolina Panthers original.
The respected NFL guard plans to become the first player in franchise history to don a Guardian cap on his helmet against the host Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. A Guardian cap is a soft-shell that fits over a helmet, helping to reduce impact of on-field blows and potentially cut down on concussions.
“I think it’s pretty dope,” Hunt said with his trademark smile. “I think it’s very pretty. So, I’m gonna put this on this weekend, man, strap it up one last time for the year, see how I feel, and if it feels great, I’m going to go with it next year. I literally just woke up like, you know what, ‘I’m about to try this, why not try it?’ ”
Hunt signed a five-year, $100 million contract last offseason and earned Pro Bowl alternate distinction Thursday. As a cornerstone, he helped re-establish the offensive line as an effective unit. Running back Chuba Hubbard rushed for a career-best 1,195 yards before suffering an injury two weeks ago and quarterback Bryce Young has enjoyed cleaner pockets to deliver passes. As a rookie, Young endured 62 sacks in 16 starts.
Pro Football Focus stamped Hunt with a 72.0 run-blocking grade this season.
On Thursday, local media members awarded Hunt the Tom Berry Good Guy Award, presented annually to a Panthers player who is consistently available and candid.
@Panthers G Robert Hunt (50), working on an #NFL drill Dec. 27, plans to become the franchise’s 1st player to wear a Guardian cap helmet Sunday vs. host @AtlantaFalcons … pic.twitter.com/5TJq7iSl4f
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) January 5, 2025
Panthers’ Struggling Defense Getting Help
The injury-depleted Panthers’ defense enters Sunday ranked last in the NFL in yielding 31 points per game, which ranks as the sixth-worst total in league history. If the Falcons rush for 170 yards, the Panthers would become the fourth team all-time to surrender at least 3,000 rushing yards.
The injury list grew Saturday with outside linebacker Amare Barno landing on injured reserve. Barno suffered a shoulder injury during last Sunday’s 48-14 loss at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
To provide support, the Panthers on Saturday activated defensive end DeShawn Williams and outside linebackers Kenny Dyson and Thomas Incoom. Williams has recorded 14 tackles and a half-sack this season.
@Panthers reserve DL Jaden Crumedy (96) and Sam Roberts hope to provide support to a struggling #NFL defense Sunday vs. @AtlantaFalcons … pic.twitter.com/s2ppMkrojL
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) January 5, 2025
