South Charlotte Today

The Carolina Panthers are making adjustments to their offensive line ahead of their Week 9 game against the New Orleans Saints. Starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu will not play due to an ankle injury sustained in last weekend's game against the Denver Broncos. Brady Christensen, who replaced Ekwonu during that game, will start at left tackle.

Christensen has been filling in as the starting center following Austin Corbett's season-ending biceps injury. With Christensen moving to left tackle, Cade Mays will step in as the starting center. Mays finished the previous game snapping and has experience playing center both in college and professionally.

Head coach Dave Canales expressed confidence in this lineup change: "I thought Brady did a great job stepping in for us last week. So, we'll let Brady get out there. Cade Mays will play center for us and then, that'll be the group," he said.

Canales highlighted Christensen's versatility across different positions on the line: "I think Brady has done such a great job of the opportunities," Canales stated. He praised Christensen's ability to adapt quickly and perform well under pressure.

Christensen last played left tackle in 2021, where he took 311 pass-blocking snaps at that position, allowing quarterback pressure only 13.5 percent of the time according to Next Gen Stats. Despite concerns about his wingspan compared to other left tackles, Canales emphasized Christensen's solid technique: "But I think when you don't have that elite length, your fundamentals... is a premium and that's where Brady really shines."

Additionally, some players remain sidelined due to injuries as they continue their rehabilitation process within a 21-day window. Running back Jonathon Brooks, outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum, and receiver Adam Thielen are not expected to play against the Saints despite showing progress.

"The guys stacked really, really solid (days)," Canales commented regarding their recovery progress but noted they would likely miss this weekend’s matchup.