Panthers Line Gels Around Rookie Monroe Freeling
Offensive line coach Joe Gilbert says guard Rob Hunt's struggles stem from playing alongside a developing rookie rather than a veteran.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Football
Carolina Panthers offensive line coach Joe Gilbert attributed right guard Rob Hunt's recent struggles to playing next to rookie Monroe Freeling. Starting right tackle Taylor Moton has missed most of the season due to injury.
Why it matters
The Panthers have had to shuffle their offensive line with multiple starters sidelined, leaving young players in key spots. How quickly the group settles affects the team's protection and running game for Charlotte-area fans following the club.
Hunt and Moton excelled together on the Panthers' offensive line in 2024, a pairing that has not been available this season. Hunt's season-ending biceps injury came in Week 3 of 2025, and his play has improved over the last couple of weeks.
The players
Joe Gilbert
Joe Gilbert is the Carolina Panthers offensive line coach who oversees the team's blocking unit.
Monroe Freeling
Monroe Freeling is a rookie first-round pick of the Carolina Panthers who played left tackle in college.
Rob Hunt
Rob Hunt is a Carolina Panthers offensive lineman who has seen action at guard for the team.
Taylor Moton
Taylor Moton is a 10-year veteran offensive lineman who has anchored the Panthers' right tackle position.
The details
Freeling, a rookie first-round pick, started at right tackle early in the season before Moton returned, then moved back when Moton was hurt again. Gilbert said Hunt is adjusting to Freeling and that the group is hoping for a steadier arrangement.
Timeline
Week 3 of the 2025 season: Hunt suffers a season-ending biceps injury.
2024 season: Hunt and Moton excel together on the offensive line.
Last couple of weeks: Hunt's play improves alongside Freeling.
Season Trajectory
The Panthers' 2024 offensive line success featuring Hunt and Moton together gave the unit a foundation that injuries have now disrupted. How this group settles with a rookie at right tackle will shape the team's trajectory for the rest of the 2026 campaign.
Fantasy managers tracking Panthers linemen should note that Hunt's recent improvement and the uncertain return timetable for Moton affect how the unit performs in coming weeks. Fans can monitor Freeling's progression at right tackle as the team works through its injury-depleted front.
The takeaway
The Panthers' offensive line depends on whether a rookie can settle into a starting role while the veterans recover. Watching how Freeling and Hunt develop together offers a clear signal of whether the unit can stabilize.
Further reading
For more on the team's offensive line, see Football coverage from the Charlotte edition.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
