Carolina Panthers defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton underwent neck surgery, coach Dave Canales confirmed Monday. The 27-year-old, who signed with the Panthers last year after five seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, will start training camp on the physically unable to perform list. Canales said Wharton is "recovering great" but offered no timeline for his return.

Wharton was limited to nine games last season, finishing with 36 tackles and two sacks. After feeling discomfort about a week and a half ago, he consulted with Panthers VP of player health Denny Kellington, who recommended surgery. The Panthers picked defensive tackle Lee Hunter in the second round of the 2026 draft, adding depth behind Derrick Brown and Bobby Brown III.

Wharton's absence opens spots that 2026 second-rounder Lee Hunter and fifth-rounder Cam Jackson must fill. Canales made that clear, saying the newcomers "are going to really need to step up." With Wharton recovering and no return timeline, the Panthers' defensive front will depend on how quickly these young linemen adjust.