The Panthers placed left tackle Matt Kalil on injured reserve Sunday, as he continues to deal with a right knee injury.
SIGN UP to watch every NFL game and RedZone during the 2018 season on DAZN
However, Kalil will be eligible to return to action after eight games this season, general manager Marty Hurney said in a statement.
“We’re putting Matt on injured reserve to give him time to fully rehab the knee,” Hurney said. "We decided to make the move now so he’s eligible to come back after eight games.”
Taylor Moton will fill the left tackle spot in Kalil's absence.
Kalil has been battling a sore knee since training camp began. He played in the first two preseason games, but underwent an arthroscopic procedure a few days after the second game.
The Panthers' offensive line is banged up as the season approaches. Starting right tackle Daryl Williams suffered a knee injury in camp and his status for the season opener is uncertain.
Saturday, the Panthers landed tackle Corey Robinson from the Lions in a trade for a future draft pick.
Kalil, 29, started all 16 games at left tackle in his first season with the Panthers last year. He began his career with the Vikings, who chose him with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.