CHARLOTTE — There was a reasonable concern when left guard Damien Lewis left the game early on Sunday. He missed all of two snaps.

Likewise, there was a stretch late when Rico Dowdle limped back to the huddle. He stayed in the game and ran for 130 yards and two touchdowns.

For Panthers coach Dave Canales, those were signs of what he wants to see from his team, especially considering what they've been through all season.

"He was able to finish all the way through the end of the game, was working through some things," Canales said of Dowdle. "And, just really proud anytime the guys can, are able to go back in there. Damien Lewis, you know, missed a little bit of time, came back and finished.

"Just a couple of different guys that had to work something out, sort something out, and said

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