Just when it looked as if things couldn't get worse for the Carolina Panthers, stud left guard Damien Lewis is now out for multiple weeks after sustaining a UCL injury in his elbow in Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns.
This is a body blow, especially given how well Lewis was playing. But this is also the NFL, where there is no time for wallowing in self-pity, and it's next-man-up at all times.
And for Corey Bullock, this could be the opportunity he's been waiting for.
Damien Lewis injury could thrust Corey Bullock into Carolina Panthers' spotlight
Though the Panthers signed Saahdiq Charles to the practice squad and promoted Torricelli Simpkins to the active roster, Bullock could be first in line to fill the void Lewis left.
It's a tall order, but he's got the size and power to more than hold his own.
Bullock was claimed off waivers after final cuts. He spent the 2024 season on the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad, and he played 16 times for the AFC North club last season. The lineman barely saw action on offense or special teams, and he didn't do enough to make the 53-man roster this summer.
However, the Panthers saw something in Bullock that could potentially be molded into something more.
Now we could find out just how far along he is.
The Panthers don't have many dependable options on their patchwork offensive line right now. They were already without the starting tackle tandem of Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton. Lewis is now missing until further notice, and with several others underperforming, it's a major problem.
Bullock isn't going to be the second coming of prime Trai Turner, but he's been around the club for a few weeks now. He should be comfortable with the blocking concepts, and he will have two experienced players alongside him — left tackle Rasheed Walker and center Luke Fortner — if he gets the nod.
Corey Bullock can repay Carolina Panthers' faith with strong Week 4 performance
Walker and Fortner aren't playing great, to be honest. But they have to pick things up without Lewis to depend on.
All Bullock has been waiting for is a chance. That didn't quite arrive in Baltimore, but he is clearly next in line as Lewis goes to the shelf.
It's a journey into the unknown for everybody. Bullock is an unknown quantity, so it's a big uptick in responsibilities for the North Carolina Central and Maryland product.
Things might not go well, especially against a solid-looking Detroit Lions defensive front on Sunday Night Football. But looking at the alternatives, the Panthers don't have much of a choice.
With Lewis' absence confirmed before practices start this week, Bullock has more time to adjust to his role and the tasks he will face in Week 4.
That won't guarantee success. But it won't hurt.
The Panthers believed in Bullock enough to scoop him off the waiver wire. This is the perfect chance to repay this faith.
And let's hope he can deliver when it counts.
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