Around The League noted in the takeaways from Thursday's game versus the Baltimore Ravens that the Carolina Panthers' questionable blocking up front is a problem for a team moving to more of a "traditional" offense.
The Panthers took a step toward upgrading the offensive line Sunday, announcing the signing of veteran guard Travelle Wharton.
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Wharton started 99 games between guard and tackle in Carolina before spending the 2012 season on the Cincinnati Bengals' injured reserve list. Released by the Bengals for salary-cap purposes, Wharton touched base with the Panthers in July.
Signing one month later allowed the 32-year-old to skip the rigors of training camp. It also might have driven up his price tag now that starting left guard Amini Silatolu has joined fourth-round draft pick Edmund Kugbila on the sideline -- each dealing with hamstring injuries.
Silatolu already has been ruled out for the preseason finale. Should Silatolu miss the opener, Wharton could be inserted directly into the Panthers' starting lineup.
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