Carolina Panthers defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton is reportedly making good progress from a neck injury. Head coach Dave Canales sounded confident, and if he can return sooner than expected, that will be the biggest boost imaginable.
Wharton has been seldom seen throughout his time in Carolina. He featured just nine times last season and is expected to miss a considerable chunk of the 2026 campaign as well. Not ideal, but the Panthers will have to work with the options available.
However, there are growing signs that Wharton's encouraging progress could lead to a much quicker return.
Tershawn Wharton still has hurdles to come despite encouraging Carolina Panthers update
Canales reported that Wharton looks explosive and is raring to get back involved. At the same time, the Panthers are taking every possible precaution with the Missouri S&T product, and feeling healthy is not the biggest hurdle to overcome.
"What I see right now, he looks explosive. He looks amazing. He's fit, he's ready to go. Of course it's just about structural integrity and making sure he's ready to rock when that time is."
Neck injuries are tricky. They have to be absolutely right before getting the green light. Any lingering effect could show up quickly, given the NFL's brutal nature. But overall, things seem to be trending up for Wharton.
Canales didn't put a definitive timeline for his return, which was smart. That would place expectations on Wharton that he may not be able to meet. Giving him the time he needs is key, and if the Panthers want to make the playoffs again, having him healthy later in the campaign would be a massive boost.
Until Wharton gets the all-clear, the Panthers' 3-4 defensive front under Ejiro Evero must stand their ground.
Pro Bowl lineman Derrick Brown is among the league's best, and his importance to the Panthers cannot be overstated. Bobby Brown III will start opposite him as a 3-4 defensive end in Wharton's absence, though he's also missed time over the summer. And it seems like rookie second-round pick Lee Hunter will get the start over Cam Jackson at the nose tackle spot.
This could be a productive trio. But the sooner Wharton makes his triumphant return, the better.
The Panthers still believe in Wharton. They haven't received much return on their significant investment in the player, but restructuring his contract recently suggests that he will be part of the team's plans in 2027.
And if, or when, he does return this season, Wharton should be eager to make up for some lost time.
It's a wait-and-see scenario. As Canales said, the structural significance of his neck strength will be the biggest deciding factor. But if this update is any indication, Wharton should be able to hit the ground running once the medical team is satisfied.
And hopefully, there will be no further setbacks from here.
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