Jeff Otah went on injured reserve today thus ending his season with the Carolina Panthers. Otah had missed some time with a back problem but it was revealed today that his knee never healed from last year’s surgery.

It has been hinted at that Otah isn’t the most active person when it comes to rehab and getting in shape. When motivated and healthy Jeff Otah is a top ten right tackle in the NFL and a beast in the running game.

The problem is keeping Otah on the field and his days with the Carolina Panthers may be numbered. Otah has only played in 29 games in his four year career which saw him miss all of 2010.

Now that Jeff Otah has been put on injured reserve we will be seeing much more of Byron Bell and possibly Lee Ziemba. Even though these two guys are rookies the rest of the offensive line has enough experience to help cover for them. Ziemba and Bell will be trying to show the Carolina Panthers that they can replace Otah if he is released next year.

A veteran lineman will possibly be added but the Panthers could also go with a linebacker or defensive lineman to replace Otah on the roster. The Panthers have been experimenting with the 3-4 defense of late and could add to that look. More on the Carolina Panthers and the 3-4 to come.