Panthers promote Torricelli Simpkins as Damien Lewis faces reported UCL absence

The Panthers added guard Torricelli Simpkins III to their active roster Tuesday as they prepared for a possible stretch without starting left guard Damien Lewis, whose elbow injury is still being evaluated.

NFL Network reporters Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport reported that Lewis is expected to be sidelined for a few weeks with a UCL injury. Garafolo said Lewis is set to miss the Detroit game, while noting that Carolina's Week 5 bye could limit the absence to one game.

That possibility depends on his recovery. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler separately reported that a source described the injury as an elbow tear and that Lewis would seek a second opinion. A return after the bye has not been guaranteed.

Garafolo's original Tuesday report:

Carolina confirmed the Simpkins promotion in an afternoon roster announcement. The team said Lewis's elbow problem caused him to leave and reenter Sunday's game at Cleveland, and described Simpkins as additional interior-line depth. Simpkins, a Charlotte native, joined the practice squad before the season after spending last year with New Orleans.

The Sporting News' Jeff Hawkins reported that Corey Bullock replaced Lewis during the second quarter of the 21-18 loss to the Browns. Carolina's Tuesday announcement did not name a replacement starter. Promoting Simpkins expands the available personnel while coaches decide how to cover the position.

The injury comes as the Panthers are trying to fix a running game that averaged 97 yards through the first three weeks. Carolina's own Monday report noted 98 rushing yards on 23 attempts against Cleveland and described missed blocks and trouble handling movement up front.

Losing continuity at left guard would add another problem for that unit before facing Detroit. For fantasy managers assessing Carolina's offense, the useful next information is the practice participation and eventual lineup, particularly whether Lewis can return and which linemen are available around Bryce Young.

Carolina waived linebacker Maema Njongmeta to make room for Simpkins. Njongmeta had been promoted Saturday and forced a fumble against Cleveland. The Panthers also brought outside linebacker Cam Gill and offensive lineman Isaia Glass back to the practice squad, releasing guard Chandler Zavala from that unit.