CHARLOTTE – Dave Canales wasn't sure exactly what he'd be walking into when he headed to Wednesday's team meeting. His Carolina Panthers' were coming off the first win of the season and only the third win in the last 20 games.

What he found was a welcome surprise.

"It was just real, this real determination and focus to take the next step," Canales shared with reporters on Wednesday. "This is a really focused group. I know, I keep saying that, but it really is. They have a real seriousness about the way they go about their work."

Being able to recalibrate and move on quickly is something Canales said, "I love that about this group," and could pay dividends this coming weekend. The Cincinnati Bengals come to town winless, but with a quarterback and receiver combo who have a history of taking over a game. It's a challenge that has foiled many a team, especially one that could be distracted or lackadaisical after a big win.

If what Canales experienced first-hand on Wednesday though is any indication, a lack of focus won't be an issue.

"They know they have things to clean up from the (Raiders) game. But it was a great response and just really just getting back to work today. And so, to take on that challenge and to just focus on the very next challenge which is today and then going into Thursday and stack them up and then go out and play the Bengals on Sunday."

A complete rundown of injuries

The Panthers left Vegas a bit banged up, with a couple of guys out for a while. But Wednesday returned news that none seem to be completely detrimental.

Receiver Adam Thielen and safety Jordan Fuller were both placed on Injured Reserve, meaning they will be out for at least four weeks. Both guys suffered hamstring injuries. Canales said Thielen's was a "pretty good hamstring" and Fuller's as well, was a "really good hamstring. So not something that we expect to just come back quickly there."

Left guard Damien Lewis injured his elbow. Canales said test results returned a "broad window" in terms of his recovery timeline.

"We're trying to just push him and kind of see what we can get out of him and see if we can get him back out there. But that's kind of up in the air really right now there," Canales said.

If Lewis is unable to go on Sunday, Chandler Zavala will likely start in his place, as he did much of practice on Wednesday.

"Chandler's a guy that brings power inside," Canales bragged on Wednesday. "The thing that we're trying to build, this offensive line inside out. And so I'm really excited to see Chandler step in and have this opportunity. So excited for him, he's worked so hard to get himself back to that point."

Defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (foot) did not practice on Wednesday, but Canales said they'll look to add "a little bit more work for him" on Thursday to see if he can potentially be ready for the Bengals. But it's a decision that will be made "as we go this week."

Corner and special teams ace Lonnie Johnson (groin) is working through the pain, according to Canales, and will be evaluated throughout the week to see if he can play Sunday.

This following week will open the window to return those that started the season on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury and Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list: Jonathon Brooks, Amaré Barno and D.J. Wonnum.

"They're all in the final stages of the evaluation process, some last couple of hurdles for them to clear before we feel like we can put them out there and practice, but they're all really close," Canales said, also mentioning Dane Jackson and Jaden Crumedy who are currently on IR.

"So, guys are, they're looking really strong. They're kind of in those final stages. But we're getting close to being able to open up the window for those guys."

Waiting game begins for Adam Thielen

With Thielen now officially on IR, he'll be out for at least four weeks, per league policy. The veteran receiver said Wednesday that he already has a recovery plan in place, ready to attack the four weeks hard, in hopes of being ready to return as soon as possible.

"I'm going to try to do everything in my power, everything, I'm going to take advantage of every resource around me here in the building and outside the building to try to be back as quick as possible," he said. "And not only just to be back but to feel as fresh and energetic and as much like myself as I possibly can be by the next time I step on that field."

Thielen injured his hamstring while making a diving catch from Dalton on Sunday. He made the play, resulting in a 31-yard touchdown pass that gave the Panthers a 14-point lead heading into halftime. But the injury messed up something Thielen had been planning for a while; a touchdown dance celebration.

"It definitely did," he laughed. "So hopefully I'll be back soon and be able to use it, but definitely had a celebration but I think my celebration ended up being grab my hamstring and roll around the ground. Hopefully not have to do that ever again."

Before he can debut the new celebration though, he has to make it back on the field. That process has already started and will be followed in earnest by the receiver. The minimum of four weeks would place a possible return around October 21, ahead of the Week 8 matchup against the Denver Broncos.

"At the end of the day I, you know, want to be back as soon as possible. I again, put too much into this. I love it too much and I want to be out there with my teammates, be out there practicing and competing," Thielen said.

"So will do anything in my power and then we'll just kind of take it day by day and see what happens."

A stoic and focused Canales

Dave Canales has made a reputation for himself as being upbeat and energetic at all times. But as quarterback Andy Dalton found out on Sunday, there is one window of time when that is not the case.

"I was even talking with (offensive coordinator) Brad (Idzik) today at practice and I was like, man, I was trying to get Dave just to crack a smile at one point (during the game) and I couldn't get it out of him," Dalton joked following Wednesday's practice.

"But I mean, it just shows he's in the moment."

Sunday's 36-22 win over the Raiders was the first win for Canales as a head coach. It also featured the first opening drive touchdown of his play-calling career (spanning last year with Tampa Bay, and this season thus far). That play-calling was paired with a veteran quarterback in Dalton, who had not started a game in a year. The marriage resulted in the first game this NFL season featuring 300-plus (319) passing yards and three passing touchdowns. The Panthers also added 131 rushing yards and a score on the ground.

"I thought Dave did such a great job of calling the game," Dalton praised. "We got into such a rhythm, and he was really feeling it. And so that was good.

"And going up to him on the sideline, he's just so steady the whole time. He's not riding the wave of highs and lows. emotion. It was one of those things that he was just steady the whole time. It was fun to see because, I felt like he kept putting us in position to have success and, fortunately we were able to do that."

Not long after the clock hit 0:00 though, the emotion burst out, for Canales and the entire team.

"I think everybody saw the video of him running in the locker room after game," Dalton said. "I think that he had a lot of emotion that was built up."

Captain decision to remain consistent

Before the season began, the Panthers voted on four permanent captains for the season. One of those were Sam Franklin Jr. representing special teams. Since he is still on IR, the special teams captain has rotated each week. Canales said that will continue to be the case, and it will be based on what players have done as a Panther, not in relation to any past history they may have with the opponent.

"I try to make it about us, you know, I want to reward and recognize the guys that are doing great work that are doing what we're asking and playing with full effort," Canales said. "So, I love to recognize somebody from the special team's unit who embodies that. And, you know, if Sam Franklin was here playing, he would embody that kind of style and that passion for football. So, it's somebody who steps in and that's in the spirit of that approach to football. So, like having that rotation for us."

One of the season long captains is quarterback Bryce Young. Despite the fact Young was sat down for Andy Dalton last week, Young still represented the team at the coin toss. Canales promised on Wednesday, that would not change.

"Those were voted in by our team and so those spots are permanent."