Carolina Panthers Roster, Injury News 2017: Center Ryan Kalil Could Play Against the Bears on Sunday

By Noriel See, Christian Post Contributor Friday, October 20, 2017

Carolina Panthers center Ryan Kalil is finally back at practice this week after a neck injury forced him to miss the last five games and it will only be a matter of time before he returns to the football field. In fact, he's optimistic he can play this Sunday when the Panthers take on the Chicago Bears.

"We'll keep working and see how it goes. I just want to get out there and contribute," Kalil said, via the Panthers' official website. "It's different running around in pads and hitting people and wrestling big guys. Part of it is getting back in shape and getting strength back, and obviously, being pain-free," he continued.

The five-time Pro Bowler hasn't played since the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers last month. Kalil actually tried to loosen up his neck in an effort to play during the pregame warmups before the Panthers took on the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 17. However, they decided that it would be for the best if he just sat out the game to avoid risking further injury.

Fortunately, the neck injury is not related to the shoulder injury that forced him to miss half of the 2016 season.

Tyler Larsen has done a good job filling in at center for the Panthers while Kalil was sidelined, but he just doesn't have the Pro Bowler's experience.

"Tyler just isn't quite there yet. I think he will be. He's a tremendous football player and he's got great upside for us, and he's supplied us with tremendous depth. But he's not a five-time Pro Bowler," Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said, according to the team's official website.

Kalil has been making a lot of progress in his recovery and he will undoubtedly give the Panthers' beleaguered offensive line a much-needed boost when he returns to the football field.