Panthers don't sound optimistic about having DT Kemoeatu for Giants game

Panthers don't sound optimistic about having DT Kemoeatu for Giants game
December 17
Gaston Gazette
"If there's ever a game the Carolina Panthers need Maake Kemoeatu it's Sunday night against the New York Giants.

Unfortunately, it doesn't appear they will have him.

Kemoeatu, the team's 345-pound defensive tackle whose primary job is to stop the run on first and second down and take up blocks to free up other players to make tackles, seems unlikely to play against the Giants because of an ankle injury.

Ironically, Kemoeatu has not missed a game since coming to Carolina in 2006 and has missed only three in his seven-year NFL career.

Kemoeatu wasn't at practice on Wednesday and earlier n the week was seen by reporters wearng a protective boot on his foot and walking with the aid of crutches. Although coach John Fox wouldn't give any specifics on his status for Sunday night, Kemoeatu's teammates were already talking about being without the big man in the middle.

"We're going to miss him, but I guess that's what backups are for," said defensive end Charles Johnson. "If somebody goes down, you've got to have people step up. I know we have good backups, and I know they're able to step in and do a good job."

Either Darwin Walker or Gary Gibson would likely start in Kemoeatu's place, but neither has the bulk Kemoeatu does. Walker weighs in at 294 pounds, while Gibson is 285.

Johnson said he expects to see some action inside as well. He moved over to tackle this past Sunday against Denver after Kemoeatu went out with an ankle injury.

"Probably so, probably on third-and-long I'll get in there and rush the passer," Johnson said.

Tyler Brayton could also line up some at defensive tackle.

Johnson said Kemoeatu will be missed.

"Maake's a very important part of this defensive line," Johnson said. "He's a big boy, and he holds that middle down, and gets deep penetration in the middle. We're going to miss him, but you know, that's why we we've got backups."

Said Fox: "Injuries are a part of the game. People around the league deal with it every week; the Giants have had to deal with it; we've had to deal with it. We've got guys on the team we feel good about that have played a lot of football all season long. It's not like Maake or anybody out there plays every play. We've got guys out there that have made great contributions and we'll expect the same thing this week against New York."

The Giants come into the game average a league-best 148.7 yards per game and have 16 rushing touchdowns. To make matters worse, the Giants are expected to get bruising running back Brandon Jacobs back from a knee injury.

"You look at Jacobs' stats, and they're scary," middle linebacker Jon Beason said. "He's got 1,000 yards on 195 carries. So he's a big part of their offense, so getting him back, they're going to be looking to get this win.""

Link