Ron Rivera calls Panthers offensive line a ‘catastrophe’

Carolina Panthers v Oakland Raiders

The Carolina Panthers surrendered two sacks in Sunday’s 35-32 loss to the Oakland Raiders, including a fourth-down strip-sack at the end of the game to seal the loss. That makes 27 sacks on Cam Newton this season, only four quarterbacks in the league have been sacked more.

To make matters worse, backup right tackle Daryl Williams (ankle) and backup center Gino Gradkowski (knee) had to leave the game with injuries, forcing right guard Trai Turner to move to right tackle, with Chris Scott plugging in at his spot, and rookie Tyler Larsen replacing Gradkowski at center.

As it is, the Panthers are without left tackle Michael Oher, who went on injured reserve last week with a concussion, and center Ryan Kalil, who is nursing a shoulder injury.

“It’s about as a catastrophe as you can get when you look at the losses we’ve had there,” head coach Ron Rivera told reporters Monday, via ESPN.com’s David Newton.

Rivera didn’t update the team’s injury situation, but Williams reportedly had a boot on his left foot and is likely out a week, according to Joe Person of The Charlotte Observer.

The Panthers visit the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday night. Seattle has the fourth-most sacks this season with 31.

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