The rookie is now the third starting offensive lineman that the Panthers have placed on the IR this season. That potentially leaves 2022 sixth-round pick Cade Mays as the starting left guard for Bryce Young against the Bucs on Sunday.

Zavala was carted off the field on a backboard after sustaining a neck injury in Carolina;'s Week 5 game against the Lions. He was held out of Carolina’s Week 6 matchup, but a bye in Week 7 was all he needed to recover from what appeared to be a scary injury. He will return to the starting lineup in Week 8 versus the Texans.

Zavala is being taken to a hospital for evaluation after remaining down on the field for what seemed like an eternity. Thankfully, he was able to give the crowd a thumbs up after being backboarded. The rookie starter went down after a seemingly innocuous collision with Lions DL Isaiah Buggs. Hopefully he is able to avoid a stint on injured reserve.