Carolina Panthers starting right guard John Miller has had a bumpy ride here in 2021. And although he’s been repeatedly heralded as one, tough customer by head coach Matt Rhule, the 6-foot-3, 315-pounder won’t find a way to grind through this one.
Miller exited Sunday’s loss to the New York Giants after sustaining what Rhule described on Monday as a “pretty bad ankle sprain.” That sprain has now been determined to be serious enough for an injured reserve stint.
The team announced the placement of Miller on the IR Tuesday. He will miss, at least, the next three games.
This latest absence will force the Panthers to, once again, rework their offensive line. If starting left guard Pat Elflein—who has yet to be activated after wrapping up his stay on IR—is still not good to go himself, that’ll complicate the matter even more for an already struggling unit.
Rookie Brady Christensen, Michael Jordan, Dennis Daley and/or Trent Scott will be the team’s options in filling one or perhaps both of those guard positions.
The Panthers, additionally, have waived punter Ryan Winslow. The 27-year-old played in the last two games for Carolina, totaling 13 punts for an average of 38.6 yards per attempt.
As a result, they’ve signed Lachlan Edwards—now the current favorite to take over punting duties starting in Week 8—to the practice squad. Kicker Dominik Eberle was released to make room for Edwards.