Man, talk about a roller coaster! The Carolina Panthers’ injury report actually looked a little lighter today, which is wild after the “avalanche” we’ve been seeing. But don’t pop the champagne just yet, because while a bunch of guys were back on the field, we’re still without starting left guard Damien Lewis and wideout Xavier Legette. And Lewis? He’s got a UCL injury that’s gonna keep him out of this weekend’s clash against the Detroit Lions. That’s a gut punch, plain and simple.
A Wave of Returns, Finally
Yesterday’s walk-through looked like a MASH unit with seven players estimated as non-participants. Today? A massive improvement, with only two guys held out of practice. We saw a bunch of familiar faces back out there, which is a huge relief. Running back Chuba Hubbard, wide receiver Jalen Coker, tight end Darren Waller, right tackle Monroe Freeling, and outside linebacker Princely Umanmielen all returned to the field. Waller and Hubbard were DNP yesterday, now full participants. Freeling, Umanmielen, and Coker were also DNP on Wednesday and are back, even if Coker and Freeling were limited today. Plus, safety Nick Scott, linebacker Devin Lloyd, and quarterback Bryce Young were full go again, no issues. It’s not perfect, but seeing that many guys back is a step in the right direction.
Lewis’ UCL and Legette’s Knee: A Real Headache
Okay, so the good news is great, but we can’t ignore the elephant in the room: starting left guard Damien Lewis and wide receiver Xavier Legette are *still* sidelined. Lewis, man, he’s a non-participant for the second straight day, and that UCL injury is no joke. The team expects him to miss the Detroit game, and losing your starting LG, especially against a tough Lions defensive front, is a massive blow. Who steps up there? That’s a huge question mark. Legette is also a DNP again with his knee injury. We need all hands on deck, especially with the depth we thought we had, and these two key offensive pieces staying out is a real headache for the coaching staff. Defensive tackle Lee Hunter was also limited today with a foot issue.
This weekend’s game against the Detroit Lions is gonna be a grind, and heading into it without Lewis is a major disadvantage. While it’s awesome to see so many guys getting healthier, the continued absence of two starters, particularly Lewis with a UCL issue keeping him out, means the Panthers will really have to rally. It’s time for the next man up to prove himself, because the Lions won’t be taking it easy.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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