The end of the 2018 season for the Carolina Panthers saw the departure of one of the Kalil brothers, as venerated All-Pro center Ryan Kalil brought his 12-year NFL career, played exclusively for the Panthers, to a close. For many, bidding Ryan Kalil goodbye was an emotional experience - but alas, they just can't seem to push his brother out the door fast enough.

After a lost season in 2018 and the sore point of his $55 million contract, Panthers left tackle Matt Kalil has been oft-projected as a player the team could move on from - almost to the point that some might be trying to will it into existence. But as of now, the Panthers are not giving up on the younger of the Kalil brothers. At least not yet, anyway.

During his NFL Combine press conference, Panthers head coach Ron Rivera stated in response to a question about Kalil's status with the team that he anticipates Kalil being a member of the Panthers moving forward.

"I do (anticipate Kalil being part of the team), because he's here working out and getting ready to go going into the offseason programs," said Rivera of Kalil.

LIVE: Ron Rivera at the NFL Combine https://t.co/6tJf7we6lF — Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) February 28, 2019

Kalil, who started every game at left tackle for the Panthers in 2017 after signing a lucrative contract to join the team in free agency, missed the entire 2018 season after undergoing a knee scope midway through the preseason. Both Kalil and Daryl Williams, the Panthers' starting tackles from the beginning of training camp in 2018, face uncertain futures with the team. While Kalil has been projected as a cap casualty, Williams is set to become an unrestricted free agent after missing virtually the entire 2018 season due to knee injuries.

"It's been a long process for both of them, but they're rehabbing, they're getting themselves ready to go," said Rivera of Kalil and Williams. "Going forward, it'd be exciting to have them both functional and ready to roll, and we can see where they are exactly and how it's gonna fit for our team."

But with Rivera's comments on Kalil considered, public endorsement of his future with the team is hardly a guarantee of his future in a Panthers uniform - Especially given the amount of money he is paid and how he has not played at a level that justifies it. When asked later on if Kalil's situation was a fluid one, Rivera stated that such a question was more suited for general manager Marty Hurney.

"All I know is he's working out, he's been doing a great job, and we'll go from there," said Rivera.

Though Kalil was able to make the Pro Bowl in his rookie season after being drafted No. 4-overall by the Minnesota Vikings, he has since struggled to become the franchise left tackle he was once billed as. His 2018 preseason performance inspired little confidence that things could change, as he gave up two sacks in his last game against the Miami Dolphins.