Panthers place Austin Corbett, Dicaprio Bootle on injured reserve

Panthers offensive lineman Austin Corbett was so tough last Sunday against the Cowboys that he played through a painful knee injury. That will be his final appearance for the season.

On Wednesday, Carolina placed Corbett on injured reserve, with the Panthers saying it’s a season-ending situation. It was a sad moment for the veteran guard. He tore his ACL in last season’s finale this past January and needed surgery. Corbett was finally healthy enough to play this season, seeing action in the last four games. The Panthers said this new injury doesn’t involve an ACL, the main stabilizer in the knee. Rather, he tore the MCL after getting hit on the side of his left knee.

In addition to Corbett, the Panthers placed cornerback Dicaprio Bootle on injured reserve. Bootle started the last two games before also injuring his knee against the Cowboys.

Corbett is trying to stay positive. He’s set to fly to California next week where he’ll have surgery to repair the damaged ligament. However, the rehab won’t be as long. He expects to be back for the Panthers’ off-season conditioning program.

“The beautiful game of football,” Corbett told reporters. “So 2023 is not my year. But we’ll be all right.”

He added: “It could have been a lot worse there. I had been doing all my rehab, and my knee is the strongest it’s ever been.”

Corbett recalled that while he was in the Panthers injury tent last Sunday, he told the medical staff that he’d tighten up his knee brace and go back into the game.

I know I looked like an idiot just running, but the game itself was too stressful. So, between plays, I wouldn’t think about it.”

The Panthers lost to the Cowboys, 33-10. They’ve only won once this season. And no doubt, it will be difficult absorbing the loss of a veteran like Corbett.

“He’s the ultimate competitor, teammate, stands for everything we stand for really,” said Panthers head coach Frank Reich. “Really hard to see him have that injury. But I know he has the resolve and the fortitude, that he’ll bounce back. It’s unfortunate for him and for our team, but love him and what he is, even though what he’s contributed this year, it hasn’t been a ton on the field, is very significant.”

The Panthers next play this Sunday on the road against the Titans.