The Carolina Panthers are facing a setback as starting left guard Damien Lewis has been ruled out with a shoulder injury sustained during practice. The coaching staff confirmed he is week-to-week and will need to regain sufficient strength before returning to the field. Lewis's absence could impact the Panthers' offensive momentum as he was a key player, having signed a four-year, $53 million deal earlier in 2024 and starting in all 16 games last season. The team lost their preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns, which might raise concerns about their offensive line depth.

The Carolina Panthers have made key moves this offseason, re-signing tight end Tommy Tremble to a two-year deal and center Austin Corbett to a one-year contract. Corbett's return was deemed a priority for the team, as evidenced by the extension of contract negotiations past the deadline. Last season, Corbett started only five games due to injury but proved to be a vital player before a torn bicep sidelined him. With his return, the Panthers maintain continuity on their offensive line, which is crucial for the development of quarterback Bryce Young, who struggled with sacks in his rookie year but showed improvement last season. This stability is expected to enhance the efficiency of the Panthers' offense moving forward.

The Carolina Panthers, fresh off a thrilling 44-38 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, are considering contract extensions for players from their 2022 NFL Draft class, which has not proven to be particularly impactful. After three seasons in the NFL, left tackle Ikem Ekwonu and guard Cade Mays are now eligible for extensions. While the Panthers might contemplate locking in Ekwonu, who has shown inconsistency, Mays's versatility and reliability may make him a more straightforward choice for an early extension.

Despite a lackluster draft class where many players have fallen off, the Panthers have improved their offensive line and now have opportunities to secure Ekwonu and Mays for the long term. Their performance this season could influence the decision-making process regarding these extensions, especially considering the evolving roles and future of the offensive line.

The Carolina Panthers face a pivotal decision regarding their rookie quarterback, Bryce Young, as they prepare for their season finale against the Atlanta Falcons. After spending five weeks on the bench, Young has emerged as a standout performer in the NFL, particularly since Week 9, raising questions about his playing status for the upcoming game. Although the Panthers have little to gain from the match, they have the opportunity to spoil the Falcons' playoff hopes.

One argument for resting Young is his potential risk of injury. At a smaller stature, he has shown resilience against hits, but the Panthers’ offensive line is currently compromised, with several key players on the injury report. The team allowed an alarming 68.6% pressure rate last week, which could put Young in jeopardy against a formidable Falcons pass rush. Given the injuries affecting the running game and offensive line, sitting Young may seem prudent to protect the franchise's future.

Conversely, the Panthers lack offensive options without Young on the field. His performance last week demonstrated that he is crucial for moving the ball, as he accounted for a significant portion of the team’s passing yards. The alternative quarterbacks, Andy Dalton and Jack Plummer, are less capable of leading the offense effectively. Moreover, Young's continued development is essential, not just for his chemistry with the current roster but also for building rapport with rookie pass-catchers. Therefore, despite the risks, the Panthers should opt to play Young in the season finale to ensure he gains valuable experience and maintains the team’s offensive competitiveness.