David Newton, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Could guard Amini Silatolu be Panthers' solution at right tackle?

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- First up in the Carolina Panthers’ attempt to replace starting right tackle Nate Chandler appears to be veteran Amini Silatolu.

Silatolu has played left guard since the Panthers selected him in the second round of the 2012 draft.

But with Chandler placed on injured reserve with a knee injury last week, and Carolina impressed with the way undrafted rookie Andrew Norwell played at left guard while Silatolu was out three games with a knee injury, a switch was made.

For Silatolu (6-4, 315), it is a return to the position he last played at Division II Midwestern State in 2011 when he was a starting left tackle.

Not that it’s a done deal Silatolu will start on Sunday at Minnesota. Coach Ron Rivera said he’s looking at Mike Remmers, Chris Scott and David Foucault as well.

“This is going to be a work in progress,’’ Rivera said on Monday as the Panthers (3-7-1) resumed practice after a five-day bye break. “We’ll take a look at a couple other guys.

“We’ll take a look at them on Wednesday. That’ll be a pretty hard practice and give us a good feel as who we’re going to go with there.”

Norwell missed Monday’s practice with a leg injury, which meant Scott got some work at left guard as well. Rivera didn’t appear overly concerned.

The only other player who sat out of practice was starting defensive tackle Star Lotulelei. He missed the last game against Atlanta with a knee injury.

Lotulelei said prior to the bye week that he had targeted Minnesota for his return. He didn’t sounds as confident on Monday. Neither did Rivera.

Rookie Bene’ Benwikere, who has missed the past six games with an ankle sprain, worked at full speed and could resume his duties as the nickel corner.

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