The Atlanta Falcons will face the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte this week, with the Panthers missing a crucial piece of their offense.
While the Falcons have been thriving, securing two NFC South wins that have put them at the top of the division, the Panthers have struggled at the start of the 2024 season.
The Panthers, who currently hold a 1-4 record, received more bad news as it was announced that starting center Austin Corbett’s injury from last week will end his season.
Austin Corbett, the Panthers’ center, tore his biceps and is out for the season, as confirmed by coach Dave Canales,” Ian Rapoport posted on X. “Tough loss.”
The Falcons are also familiar with offensive line injuries this season, having temporarily lost their center, Drew Dalman. Dalman is expected to return by the end of the month, and the Falcons have relied on backup Ryan Neuzil to step in effectively.
Atlanta’s offensive line has remained mostly healthy in recent years, with Dalman being the first major injury in the past four seasons. Right tackle Kaleb McGary also faced a minor knee injury against the Kansas City Chiefs but returned after missing just one game.
Originally drafted by the Cleveland Browns as the 33rd overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Corbett was traded to the LA Rams in 2019 after playing less than two full seasons.
Corbett went on to start every game at guard for the Rams during the 2020 and 2021 seasons before signing a three-year, $26.3 million contract with the Panthers. The Browns had once labeled him a bust, but he proved his worth with consistent performance.
In 2022, Corbett started every game for the Panthers, but a knee injury limited him to just four games in 2023. Moved to center this year, Corbett will now miss the remainder of the season due to his torn biceps, with free agency on the horizon for him.
The Falcons will travel to Charlotte on Sunday afternoon for the matchup. Carolina’s offensive line will have its hands full trying to contain Falcons’ defensive tackles David Onyemata and Grady Jarrett, especially with a backup center in place.
Currently, the Falcons are listed as six-point favorites, their widest margin of the season. ESPN gives Atlanta a 63.1% chance of winning, and these odds could increase further with Corbett’s absence.
