Ryan Kalil Out Against the Saints With Neck Injury

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Last week, Ryan Kalil woke up with a stiff neck. He strapped up the pads tried to work it out and just hours before the game the Panthers training staff decided he couldn't go. Tyler Larsen answered the call on short notice. Kalil's neck has bothered him all week and will keep him out for the second straight week, leaving Tyler Larsen with a little more notice to prepare for the New Orleans Saints 

Ron Rivera has been cautious in offering a timetable for Kalil's return. It's kind of an odd injury, one where it could just be a combination of getting older and the wear and tear the game takes on a person. Rivera isn't interested in rushing Kalil out to the practice field until "he can do the things he needs to do." 

Ryan Kalil missed 8 games last year with a shoulder injury that he had surgically repaired this offseason and his absence was noticeable. Larsen played pretty well against a fierce Bills defense last week. The second-year player looked good in the preseason and has gained much confidence among the coaching staff. The burden when a starter misses time, however,  isn't limited to his position alone. The offensive line requires a certain synergy that has always seemed better will Kalil in it. Ryan Kalil has been much of the reasoning people have been slightly optimistic about his younger brother at left tackle who is playing his first season with the team. The conversation has focused on how his brother on the line and in the locker room could help Matt turn over a new leaf.

Matt Kalil played well in Week 1 when his brother Ryan started at center. Last week, he struggled against the Bills pass-rush, however. Let's just hope he isn't out along with his brother like last week on Sunday.

By Tony Dunn
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