The Carolina Panthers were probably bemoaning an early bye week when the NFL released its 2026 schedule. But after a torrid run of injuries, head coach Dave Canales and his squad no doubt welcomed the chance for some extended rest.
Carolina has managed to tread water, moving to 2-2 with a superb prime-time win over the Detroit Lions. But for two established stars looking to make their way back for what looks like a testing post-bye stretch, their statuses remain clouded.
Right tackle Taylor Moton and defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton are getting closer to playing time. However, Canales said that despite solid conditioning levels right now, both are still seeking medical clearance to resume full football activities.
Teylor Moton, Tershawn Wharton returns are out of Carolina Panthers' hands
Until then, it's an anxious wait. And there is nothing Canales can do about it.
"With T-Mo and with Turk, we need medical clearance, so we're going to be really at the mercy of the evaluations that happen in this next week. To see if we can get those guys back, and really they're physically, we've pushed them as hard as we can, within the confines of their mode, to know that they're physically ready to do it. But then there's structural stuff, the medical stuff, with T-Mo that we're at the mercy of."
There is urgency to get both Wharton and Moton back into the mix. But their health issues are complex.
Wharton sustained a neck injury that required offseason surgery. Nobody needs to be told how serious problems in this area of the body can be, so a cautious approach remains smart.
Moton was diagnosed with blood clots that landed him on the physically unable to perform list. He was taking blood thinners for the problem, and there have been no reported setbacks in his recovery.
But the medical staff is not ready to give them the green light just yet.
It's a precarious situation. But the sooner they get cleared, the better.
Carolina Panthers need both Taylor Moton and Tershawn Wharton back soon
Wharton's energy is needed in the defensive trenches. Moton's return would be even more vital, given the current deficiencies along the protection in front of quarterback Bryce Young.
The Western Michigan product is an exceptional performer who leads by example. Moton is the model of consistency, and his presence is sorely missed. First-round rookie Monroe Freeling is trying valiantly to fill the void, but he's displaying some inevitable growing pains when stability is needed.
Ikem Ekwonu is some way off returning from a torn patellar tendon, per Canales. That makes Moton's presence even more vital, but blood clots are serious, so he needs absolute confidence before he can rejoin his teammates on the field.
It's frustrating. The Panthers are trying to take the next step, but countless injuries threaten to derail those ambitions. Hopefully, things will look a little better after the bye, and if Moton and Wharton can get cleared in that time, it'll be a monumental morale boost for everyone involved.
As always, it's a waiting game, even for Canales. But everyone with the Panthers will be hoping for good news soon.
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