Panthers Starter Hit with Injury Rolling Into Week 4

The Carolina Panthers finally got back on track with an impressive road win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3. In Andy Dalton's first game as the starting QB, the Panthers looked much improved, especially on the offensive end.

Since then, however, they have been hit with a few unfortunate injuries. It was first revealed that veteran receiver Adam Thielen was placed on the Injured Reserve list. Now, NFL insider Jordan Schultz is reporting that the Panthers' starting offensive lineman Damien Lewis will likely miss at least one game with an elbow tear.

NFL News: Panthers Will Miss Starting LG Damien Lewis in Week 4

This is a big blow for the Panthers. Lewis was a major free-agent acquisition in the offseason with the hopes of better protection for Bryce Young. Things have obviously changed in Carolina since then but Lewis, along with fellow free agent signing Robert Hunt, has been performing well on the offensive line. The entire interior offensive line, consisting of Hunt, Lewis, and center Austin Corbett have been some of the best individual performers for the Panthers according to PFF grades.

The Panthers now may turn to second-year player Chandler Zavala to get the starting job at left guard. The former fourth-round pick out of North Carolina State will have big shoes to fill in Week 4 against the Bengals.

After the injuries to Thielen and Lewis, the Panthers are 4.5-point underdogs against Cincinnati on Sunday according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Considering that the Bengals are shockingly 0-3 to start the season, they will be in desperation mode to right the ship. Whether the Panthers' offense can continue building momentum with Andy Dalton under center remains to be seen.

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