The uncertainty about the Carolina Panthers’ offensive line continues to mount.
Head coach Dave Canales spoke with reporters following Sunday’s outing of training camp, where he was asked about the status of backup tackle Yosh Nijman. And unfortunately, it doesn’t sound like one of the group’s top insurance policies will be back any time soon.
“Yosh has probably got a ways,” Canales said of Nijman, who has remained on the active/physically unable to perform list with a leg injury. “So he’s still working through some stuff. Just kinda had a reinforcement surgery in his leg. We have to be so smart with guys coming off of these things. He’s part of our progression, and we’ll keep ramping him up daily, trying to get him ready to go.”
After spending his first five NFL seasons with the Green Bay Packers, the 28-year-old signed over to Carolina on a two-year, $8 million deal this spring. Nijman, who has experience at both ends of the line, was brought in to serve as the offense’s swing tackle.
Outside of Nijman, the Panthers are currently carrying three backup tackles—Ricky Lee, Badara Traore and Jeremiah Crawford. Brady Christensen, who played 51 snaps at right guard and three at right tackle in Thursday’s preseason opener, has also manned the edges as a pro.
