If the Carolina Panthers lead in the something, it’s probably for their amount of different starting offensive lines. Unfortunately, they’ll be adding to that lead come Sunday.
The team announced the placement of three more players to the reserve/COVID-19 list on Thursday. That trio includes starting center Pat Elflein, backup offensive lineman Dennis Daley and practice squad defensive end Austin Larkin.
Elflein, with Matt Paradis having sustained a season-ending knee injury earlier in the year, has started in the middle in each of the past five weeks. His status will now give way and the start for the Week 16 matchup to Sam Tecklenburg—marking what’ll be the 12th unique combination along the front for Carolina in 15 games.
Also in question for the contest is left tackle Cameron Erving, who was listed on Wednesday’s injury report as a limited participant with a calf issue. Rookie Brady Christensen would presumably get the start on the blindside against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers if Erving isn’t a go.
