Garry

Williams

Williams has spent the season on injured reserve after breaking his ankle in Carolina’s preseason finale. His deal includes a $400,000 signing bonus, and has a maximum value of $2.05 million. One of the Panthers’ top reserve linemen in 2010, Williams could be a future starter.

"(Bell) played pretty doggone well last year,” Rivera said. “We were one of the top scoring teams in the league last year with him in there at right tackle. We think a year of experience bodes well for him and he’ll continue to grow.”

Bell saw most of the first-string snaps in OTAs. Williams started 11 games in 2010 before spending last season on injured reserve with a broken ankle. Campbell is the most physically gifted of the trio, but never came close to cracking the starting lineup in Oakland.

Austin will add depth with Pro Bowler Ryan Kalil out for the season. The Panthers are expected to shift veteran RG Geoff Hangartner to center, leaving Garry Williams and Jeff Byers to compete for the open guard spot.

The shifting has been brought about by C Ryan Kalil’s season-ending foot injury. Williams missed all of 2011 with an ankle injury, but has already made two starts this season. Bell was having a decent year at right tackle, but struggled mightily in 2011.

Jeff Byers has started the past four games at the position, but Williams relieved him early in last week’s game due to ineffectiveness. Williams started at the spot in Week 5 but was abused by the Seahawks pass rush. Recently signed Jeremy Bridges will be the back-up with Byers serving as the emergency third option.

Williams has started 20 games over the past two seasons, but has been part of the Panthers’ faulty right side of the offensive line. He does have the ability to play both guard and tackle, though. Williams is entering the final year of his deal.

“It’s not looking good for Garry Williams right now,” coach Ron Rivera said. “We will get an MRI on that to see exactly the extent.” The Panthers were also playing without starting left guard Amini Silatolu (hamstring). Their backups are Chris Scott and Travelle Wharton.

Williams was injured on a first-down read-option run by Mike Tolbert up the middle. He was writhing pain on the ground as he ripped off his helmet. Chris Scott and Travelle Wharton have been rotating at left guard, and Wharton will now move to the right side. The Panthers’ line depth is concerning.

The Panthers need LG Amini Silatolu (hamstring) to get healthy quickly so they can move Travelle Wharton over to right guard. Williams was in a contract year and will miss a great opportunity to earn a solid contract in 2014 free agency.