The Carolina Panthers have a pleasant problem on their offensive line, and Dave Canales made clear on Monday that a draft slot will not settle it. With rookie right tackle Monroe Freeling working back from a knee injury, the head coach praised the tackles who played in Sunday’s 25-14 win over the Philadelphia Eagles and said the team will make the call that helps it most.
“This is a first-round pick for us but we’re gonna do what’s best for the Panthers,” Canales said, according to Joseph Person.
Dave Canales Live Press Conference https://t.co/21kCWnOeT9
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) October 19, 2026
Why the decision is harder now
Freeling had started at right tackle while Taylor Moton spent the summer and the first month of the season recovering from blood clots in his lung. Freeling hurt his knee before the bye, and Moton, back at practice only last week, stepped into the lineup in Philadelphia without a snap of game action this season.
Canales called Moton’s ability to step in and play at that level “so impressive,” Steve Reed reported, and said the veteran held up well. Canales also liked what he saw from Moton and right guard Rob Hunt working together on the right side, and he said left tackle Rasheed Walker played his best game of the year.
That combination came against what Canales described as one of the best defensive fronts Carolina will see this season. The offense still found room behind that line. Chuba Hubbard carried 28 times for 120 yards and a touchdown, and Bryce Young threw for 281 yards and two touchdowns, both to Tommy Tremble.
Dave Canales on Monroe Freeling’s development on a contending team: pic.twitter.com/FJb5sAP7BD
— Joe Person (@josephperson) October 19, 2026
Penalties still on the list
The one blemish was discipline. Carolina’s 13 penalties for 149 yards set a club record, and Canales repeated Monday that the players have to clean them up. He added that some of the flags came from the kind of physical play he wants from his team, which is why he separated those from the avoidable ones.
Preparing for two quarterbacks
Canales said he expects Baker Mayfield to start for Tampa Bay on Sunday, noting that Mayfield plays whenever he has the chance. Kassidy Hill reported that the Panthers will also prepare for Jalon Daniels, who would start if Mayfield cannot go. The Buccaneers are 1-5 after an overtime loss to Pittsburgh.
What comes next
The 3-2 Panthers host the Buccaneers on Sunday, October 25, at 1:00 p.m. EDT at Bank of America Stadium (Game Center), then visit the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, October 29. Follow the line decision on our Panthers team page, and revisit Sunday’s win in the Panthers-Eagles Game Center.
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