Carolina Panthers' offensive tackle Michael Oher is still in concussion protocol, according to general manager Dave Gettleman. Oher, whose life was the subject of the 2009 Academy Award winning movie “The Blind Side,” suffered a concussion early in the 2016 NFL season. He was placed on said protocol on October 2, causing him to miss the final thirteen games of the season. During this time, he was also placed on injured reserve.
Oher’s future with the NFL
Gettleman recently told reporters that Oher “looks and sounds great,” despite the fact that he is still on protocol.
He added that Oher is still working out five days a week, both in the weight room and completing NFL workouts. These workouts are “not for the faint of heart,” he said. (CBS).
He would not say anything further about Oher’s condition or future with the team. However, since he is participating in said workouts, it seems as if they are prepared for him to return for the 2017 season.
Backup plan
Although they are hoping he returns next season, the Panthers have a plan in the event that Oher is not cleared to play. Earlier this month, Gettleman told ESPN that they plan on looking for other high-profile tackles to take his place. Some of the top names on the list include free agents Andrew Whitworth, Russell Okung, Ryan Clady and Matt Kalil.
Gettleman did not reveal anything further on his plans, except that they "will see where things go" in terms of Oher's recovery.
Oher’s NFL history
Oher’s NFL career began in 2009 after he was a first round, 23rd pick for that year’s NFL Draft. This led to him playing for the Baltimore Ravens until 2013. While he was on the team, he played both left and right tackle and helped bring the Ravens to a Super Bowl victory in 2013.
In 2014, Oher went on to play with the Tennessee Titans, where he started eleven of that season’s games. He was placed on injured reserve after suffering a toe injury and was released from the team in 2015.
That same year, he signed a two-year, multi-million dollar contract to play with the Panthers, which he extended in 2016. He spent a better part of his time on the team playing left tackle, up until his injury, which placed him on injured reserve.
