Carolina Panthers starting left guard Damien Lewis was notably absent from Wednesday’s practice as the team began preparations for their Week 4 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Lewis is dealing with an elbow injury that is currently being assessed by the medical staff. Head coach Dave Canales provided an update during a press conference, confirming that Lewis has sustained a UCL injury.
“The recovery timeline they provided us is quite broad,” Canales said. “We’re doing everything we can to encourage him and see if he can get back on the field, but right now, it’s uncertain.”
Lewis has quickly established himself as a key player on the Panthers’ offensive line after signing a four-year, $53 million contract in the offseason. At 6-foot-3 and 332 pounds, he has excelled with an 80.9 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking him sixth among all guards in the league.
His presence has been especially important in recent weeks, particularly with veteran quarterback Andy Dalton stepping in for Bryce Young.
If Lewis cannot return in time for Week 4, second-year lineman Chandler Zavala is expected to take over as the starting left guard. Zavala stepped in for Lewis during Week 3, playing 22 snaps and contributing to the Panthers’ first win of the season against the Las Vegas Raiders.
His ability to fill Lewis’s role will be critical as the team moves forward. The Panthers will continue to monitor Lewis’s injury closely, but Canales stressed that his status remains uncertain for now.
