Panthers place RG John Miller on reserve/COVID-19 list

The Carolina Panthers are entering the 2021 regular season with a distinct lack of depth (and talent) on their offensive line. This certainly won’t help.

Right guard John Miller has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list as of Monday, the team announced. The starting interior lineman may now be in danger of missing the season opener against the New York Jets on Sept. 12.

If Miller is vaccinated, asymptomatic and provides two negative tests, he will be permitted to rejoin the Panthers within the next 24 hours . If he is not vaccinated, he could miss five days for being a close contact or ten days with a positive test.

Rookie Deonte Brown is currently listed as the backup to Miller at right guard on the team’s current depth chart. The sixth-rounder started on the interior of the Alabama Crimson Tide’s offensive line, but on the left side, in each of last year’s 13 games.

Fellow rookie Brady Christensen may also be an option if Miller were to miss the Week 1 contest. Head coach Matt Rhule has previously stated the third-round pick may be best used at guard as he develops his game.

Third-year veteran Dennis Daley, given his proven versatility, could be in play as well.