Cameron

Erving

The Texans explored adding to their offensive line on Wednesday by working out Cam Erving. He spent last season with the Saints and has versatility, playing as a guard and tackle throughout his career. With 98 games played through nine seasons with the Browns, Chiefs, Cowboys, Panthers, and Saints, Erving brings experience. Injuries hit the soon-to-be 32-year-old later in his career, but Erving could be a swing tackle or guard depth add if signed.

Young’s exit is notable as the backup tackle was already in for the injured starter Ryan Ramczyk. Cam Erving is in for the Saints now as Derek Carr works with a banged up right side of the offensive line.

Erving was a key piece in Carolina’s late-season offensive outburst, led primary by a dominant rushing attack. A former first-round draft pick, Erving, 30, will enter his third season with the Panthers, protecting rookie QB Bryce Young. Carolina in 2022 had the league’s tenth best pass-blocking unit and the tenth worst run-blocking unit, according to Pro Football Focus.

Erving has been sidelined since Week 9 because of a calf injury. He was designated to return from injured reserve earlier this week, and it looks like he will be activated in time for Sunday’s game. Erving has never been a high-quality starter, but his return is still a boost for Carolina’s offensive line.

Carolina also lost C Matt Paradis for the season to a torn ACL. It is unclear how long Erving will be sidelined. Dennis Daley will likely take over for Erving at left tackle with Pat Elflein slotting in at center.

Paradis was placed on injured reserve today. He was joined by left tackle Cam Erving, who suffered a calf injury in the same game. Erving’s injury is not believed to be season-ending but his stint on injured reserve will last at least three weeks. No matter who is under center for the Panthers this week, they appear destined to be under pressure throughout the game. Carolina faces an Arizona defense that is ranked fourth in the NFL at 2.8 sacks per game this year.

In other words, free agent blindside gamble Cameron Erving has not been running with the job. Fourth-year UDFA Trent Scott has also seen some blindside reps. Moton became one of the highest-paid “right tackles” in NFL history last month, but this was surely a back-up plan all along. It’s possible, if not probable, Moton is Carolina’s best option on the blindside. If so, the Panthers could end up doing the opposite of killing two birds with one stone, weakening themselves at both tackle spots.

The deal includes $6 million guaranteed. The Panthers are making early, tactical signings as they try to shore up their offensive line. 28-year-old Erving had a rough 2020 for the Cowboys’ injury-ruined line, making just six appearances as he turned in typically shaky play. Even at his best, Erving has never been better than league average, so it is an eye-brow raising opening day signing. Capable of playing both guard and tackle, Erving is an insurance policy for a team that currently has only one starting tackle under contract.

Erving is ineligible to return this year since this will be his second stint on injured reserve. With Zack Martin (calf, IR) additionally out for the next few weeks, Andy Dalton will be forced to square off against the Bengals (and future opponents) with below league-average pass-pro in front of him. Brandon Knight will start ahead of Erving in the interim.

Martin went down on the Cowboys’ first drive of Week 12. He’s now looking at an extended absence and could be placed on IR, which would keep him out a minimum of three games. The Cowboys also expect LT Cam Erving (MCL) to miss some time.