Carolina Panthers starting left guard Damien Lewis was noticeably absent from Wednesday’s practice as the team began preparing for their Week 4 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Lewis is dealing with an elbow injury and is currently undergoing close evaluation by the medical staff. Head coach Dave Canales addressed the issue in a press conference, revealing that the 26-year-old has sustained a UCL injury.
“They gave us a really broad window on his recovery,” Canales said. “We’re doing everything we can to push him and see if he can get back out there, but right now, it’s up in the air.”
Since signing a four-year, $53 million contract during the offseason, Lewis has quickly become a key player on the Panthers’ offensive line. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 332 pounds, he has anchored the line with an impressive 80.9 pass-blocking grade, which ranks him sixth among all guards in the league according to Pro Football Focus. His presence has been particularly important in recent weeks, especially with veteran quarterback Andy Dalton stepping in for Bryce Young.
Dalton, who led the Panthers to a 36-22 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3, has greatly benefited from the protection provided by Lewis and the offensive line. Lewis’s ability to maintain his position has been vital in ensuring Dalton has time in the pocket, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive stability.
If Lewis is unable to return for the Week 4 game, second-year lineman Chandler Zavala is expected to take over as the starting left guard. Zavala filled in for Lewis during Week 3, playing 22 snaps and helping the Panthers achieve their first win of the season. His performance will be essential as the team looks to navigate upcoming games without their starting guard.
The Panthers will continue to closely monitor Lewis’s injury in hopes of gaining a clearer understanding of his recovery timeline in the coming days. However, Canales reiterated that, for now, Lewis’s status remains uncertain, leaving the team in a challenging position as they prepare for their next opponent.
