Panthers Roster Moves: Charlote Native Promoted to Active Roster

Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brett Rypien (16) attempts to pass as Carolina Panthers linebacker Maema Njongmeta (45) pressures in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Panthers Roster Moves: Charlote Native Promoted to Active Roster

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Bryce Lazenby | Last updated Sep 29, 2026 7:44 PM ET

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The Carolina Panthers are moving on from Week 3 and moving on to Week 4.

The hope is that the team can get back on track after a brutal loss to the Browns in Week 3. Unfortunately, they’ll have to do it without a couple of important pieces. Starting left guard Damien Lewis is expected to miss a few weeks, and star corner Jaycee Horn could go on injured reserve.

As a result, the team has some roster manuevering to do before they play again. On Tuesday, the team made a few moves that are definitely worth talking about.

Let’s go over those moves and see what they mean.

Torricelli Simpkins III Promoted, Maema Njongmeta Waived

The Panthers are promoting interior offensive lineman Torricelli Simpkins III from the practice squad and waiving linebacker Maema Njongmeta.

It’s cool to see Simpkins get a chance on the active roster. Simpkins was born in Charlotte, went to high school in Charlotte, and spent all of his college career in the Carolinas as well. Now, the lineman will get a chance to prove he belongs in the NFL with his hometown team.

At the very least, Simpkins will be an important depth piece with Lewis out. Corey Bullock and Sam Hecht are the other interior options until Lewis gets back.

It’s a bit surprising to see Njongmeta waived. The special teams ace picked up three tackles on Sunday and earned a spot on PFF’s Team of the Week. It thus seems possible that Njongmeta could be claimed, but if he’s not, I expect him back on the practice squad.

Practice Squad Updates

Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Cam Gill (49) reaches for a fumble against Houston Texans running back Deuce Vaughn (31) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The team also signed edge rusher Cam Gill and offensive lineman Isaia Glass to the practice squad, while cutting guard Chandler Zavala from the practice squad.

Zavala had a horrible preseason and was a surprise cut ahead of Week 1. It seemed like a good possibility that Zavala would get another chance with Lewis out, but instead, the team will keep Simpkins and Glass around.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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