Panthers' Wharton sidelined with injury but was "having a fantastic game," says Canales
The Carolina Panthers have signed defensive end Tershawn Wharton to bolster their defense, but an injury has sidelined him just as he was finding his rhythm.
Why it matters: The Panthers defensive struggles were highlighted in a recent game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, where they allowed 200 rushing yards and recorded no sacks. Acquiring Wharton was intended to address these deficiencies, but his hamstring injury raises concerns about the immediate effectiveness of this strategic move.
What’s new: Wharton, who previously played for the Kansas City Chiefs, suffered a hamstring injury during the Panthers' 26-10 loss to the Jaguars and is expected to be out for two to four weeks.
- Before his injury, Wharton had made a significant impact on the game, recording four tackles early on.
- His performance was so notable that offensive coordinator Dave Canales remarked, "He was having a fantastic game," reinforcing the expectations the team had for him.
Yes, but: Despite Wharton's promising start, the Panthers will need to adapt quickly while he is sidelined.
- Their run defense has been under scrutiny, and without Wharton, they may struggle to contain opposing offenses.
What to watch: As Wharton recovers, the Panthers must rely on other players to step up in his absence.
- With left tackle Ikem Ekwonu also recovering from an emergency appendectomy, the team's depth will be tested on both sides of the ball.
Between the lines: The injury not only hampers Wharton's individual contributions but also affects the overall defensive scheme.
- Without a strong pass rush, the Panthers could face more challenges against teams with potent offensive threats.
The bottom line: The Panthers ability to bounce back from this setback will depend on the effectiveness of their remaining defensive options and how quickly Wharton can return to form once cleared to play. In a competitive NFC South, every game counts, and injuries can significantly alter a team's trajectory.
