The Michael Oher question continues to linger, but the Panthers have had a plan. What's worrisome is the depth at tackle, especially on the left side. The interior of the line has "unusual" depth, but general manager Dave Gettleman is still working to lock down one of the key cogs.Â
THREE QUESTIONS
1. Who will line up at right tackle?
Oher, who's been in the NFL's concussion protocol for more than nine months now, flew to Charlotte to meet with doctors at the start of minicamp. But it's still unclear if he'll show up in Spartanburg. With or without Oher, the Panthers believe they have an answer at right tackle in , who was solid if not unspectacular in 10 starts last season. Taylor Moton likely won't be able to jump ahead of Williams in training camp, but coaches expect the second-round pick to contribute sooner rather than later.Â
2. How shaky is left tackle?
The Panthers are putting a lot of faith in Matt Kalil, who had far more downs than ups during his last four seasons in Minnesota. Even if we assume a chance of scenery and hip surgery help Ryan's younger brother to resurrect his career, the bench behind him is thin. Williams would be first in the backup line, but he's still uncomfortable on the left side. So is Moton.Â
3. Will Trai Turner land an extension?
Heading into the final season of his rookie deal, the Pro Bowl guard is acting wise beyond his years. Turner, who turned 24 just last month, has refused to talk about his contract publicly. But there's a reason he hired super agent Drew Rosenhaus this winter. Now we'll see if that side can bang out a deal with Gettleman before the start of the season.
View photos of Caroina's offensive linemen in action