Last week, the Carolina Panthers secured their first victory of the season but emerged from their win in Las Vegas with a series of injuries. Wide receiver Adam Thielen and safety Jordan Fuller suffered hamstring injuries, while starting left guard Damien Lewis sustained an elbow injury, adding to the team’s concerns.
On Friday afternoon, the Panthers officially ruled Lewis out for their upcoming game against the Cincinnati Bengals. However, it appears Lewis may be able to avoid being placed on injured reserve, which would keep him sidelined for a more extended period. The team is hopeful that he can play through his injury in the near future. Panthers head coach Dave Canales provided more context on Lewis’ condition, explaining that the left guard injured his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). The injury is usually associated with a significant recovery time, but Canales emphasized that Lewis’ timeline remains uncertain.
“He injured his UCL,” said Canales. “They did some assessment of that, and they gave us a really broad window for that one, so we’re trying to just push him and see what we can get out of him and see if we can get him back out there. But that’s kind of up in the air really right now.”
With Lewis sidelined, the Panthers could be dealing with even more significant problems on the offensive line. Robert Hunt, another key offensive guard, is listed as questionable for Sunday’s matchup due to a hip injury. If Hunt is unable to suit up, Carolina could be missing two starting linemen, which would severely impact their ability to protect the quarterback and open up running lanes. Offensive line depth is often tested throughout the NFL season, but losing multiple starters so early can cause major disruptions to a team’s rhythm and effectiveness on offense.
Another notable absence for the Panthers will be cornerback and special teams contributor Lonnie Johnson Jr., who has been ruled out of the Bengals game. Johnson’s absence leaves Carolina thinner in the secondary and special teams unit, areas that are critical when facing Cincinnati’s high-powered offense. The Bengals, led by quarterback Joe Burrow, can exploit defenses that are missing key players, making the Panthers’ depth even more important heading into this game.
Additionally, the Panthers have two more players listed as questionable. Defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson is dealing with a knee issue, while wide receiver Diontae Johnson is nursing a groin injury. Robinson’s potential absence could weaken Carolina’s defensive front, especially when it comes to stopping the Bengals’ rushing attack. Robinson, known for his ability to clog running lanes and pressure the quarterback, plays a crucial role in the Panthers’ defensive schemes. If he is unable to play or is limited in any capacity, it could create significant vulnerabilities for the defense.
Diontae Johnson’s groin injury, on the other hand, adds another layer of concern for the Panthers’ receiving corps. With Adam Thielen already out due to a hamstring injury, Johnson’s availability is critical. Should both receivers be sidelined, the Panthers would need to rely heavily on less experienced players in their wide receiver rotation, which could hinder their passing game against a strong Bengals defense.
In summary, the Panthers head into their Week 4 matchup against the Bengals with a slew of injuries, particularly on the offensive line and among their skill position players. While some injuries, like Lewis’ elbow issue, remain uncertain, the absence of key contributors could put Carolina at a disadvantage. The team will need to rely on depth players and hope for timely recoveries if they are to overcome these setbacks and continue building momentum after their first win of the season.
