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Panthers' Wharton Begins PUP Camp After Neck Surgery

5/19/2026

Summary

Wharton Neck Surgery

Tershawn Wharton underwent neck surgery and is expected to begin training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
Head coach Dave Canales said Wharton is recovering great after the surgery.
Canales indicated there is no timetable for Wharton to return to game action.
Wharton signed a three-year, $45 million contract last spring after missing eight of the Panthers' 18 games last season with hamstring and toe injuries.

Summary

Panthers Draft

Panthers traded up spots in the 2026 NFL Draft to select Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter.
General manager Dan Morgan drafted Florida defensive tackle Cam Jackson in the fifth round of the 2025 draft.
Head coach Dave Canales said the team follows a “best available” philosophy, targeting big physical players.
Vice president of player health and performance Denny Kellington evaluated Wharton’s neck discomfort, ordered imaging, and recommended surgery.

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Wharton Neck Surgery

Tershawn Wharton underwent neck surgery and is expected to begin training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
Head coach Dave Canales said Wharton is recovering great after the surgery.
Canales indicated there is no timetable for Wharton to return to game action.
Wharton signed a three-year, $45 million contract last spring after missing eight of the Panthers' 18 games last season with hamstring and toe injuries.

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