Six notable injuries to monitor ahead of Carolina Panthers training camp
The Carolina Panthers exited their offseason program in June with minimal damage to their roster. While a couple of noteworthy procedures popped up during the spring, the depth chart only has a few major ailments of concern heading into the summer.
Read more Japanese-owned factory near Charlotte is closing, laying off over 280 workers
As the Panthers look to repeat as NFC South division champs in 2026, the team’s overarching health will be a major factor. An NFL offseason can be grueling and typically creates roster casualties of the injured variety. So, the pre-existing bumps and bruises are worth monitoring as the roster shapeshifts throughout camp.
Here are six injured players worth monitoring during the summer:
Injury: Foot soreness
Likely status to start camp: Active
The reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year was hampered by foot soreness during a considerable portion of OTAs and the entirety of minicamp. While head coach Dave Canales said McMillan’s shelving for the bulk of the workouts was merely a precautionary measure, the top weapon on offense is paramount to the team’s success and his lack of action was at least somewhat concerning. McMillan is facing a huge second season, and quarterback Bryce Young needs him to be healthy to continue down the right path ahead of potential contract extension talks.
The Panthers don’t seem too concerned about McMillan, but his limited work in the spring at least raises an antenna.
Injury: Ruptured patellar tendon
Likely status to start camp: PUP (physically unable to perform) list
Ekwonu ruptured the patellar tendon in his right leg during the team’s regular-season finale in January. He eventually had surgery for the injury, which has a varying timeline of recovery. Canales and the rest of the Panthers’ brass have exuded optimism about Ekwonu’s return outlook for 2026. However, the drafting of Monroe Freeling in the first round in April was a prudent decision given the severity of Ekwonu’s injury.
There stands a chance that Ekwonu misses the entire 2026 season, and even if he returns during the campaign, he might not be able to play up to his standard until next year. So, Freeling and free-agent addition Rasheed Walker, a longtime Green Bay Packers starter, will battle for the starting left tackle job in camp. Walker got the bulk of the blindside duties with the first team during the offseason program.
Injury: Neck surgery
Likely status to start camp: PUP list
Wharton had neck surgery after feeling some discomfort during the offseason program. He missed the entirety of OTAs and minicamp due to the procedure. While Canales never completely addressed Wharton’s return timeline, the internal expectation is that he will play at some point this year.
Neck injuries can be tricky in the NFL. The Panthers can afford to take their time with Wharton, as the second-round selection of Lee Hunter gave them some much-needed depth in the trenches. Cam Jackson is expected to take a step forward in his second season, so Wharton’s injury puts a bit more pressure on him.
Read more Site of notorious fort tied to Trail of Tears being given to Cherokee, NC town says
Injury: Back-to-back ACL surgeries
Likely status to start camp: Active
Brooks looked quick in spring. Taking part in the first offseason program workouts of his NFL career, Brooks was given a workload plan, and when he was given the ball, he flashed in space. After back-to-back right knee surgeries, the 2024 second-round pick looks ready to prove his pedigree.
The Panthers will probably lean on Chuba Hubbard to carry the load early in the summer and regular season. But if Brooks can prove to be reliable and durable over the next few months, he could certainly ascend in the running back pecking order. Brooks is competing with his body to have a major role in 2026.
Injury: Shoulder surgery
Likely status to start camp: Active
Wallace missed the home stretch of the 2026 campaign after undergoing shoulder surgery in December. He worked in a “non-contact” red practice jersey throughout the spring. Canales said Wallace had been cleared for contact, but the team wanted to ease him back into action during OTAs and minicamp.
With Devin Lloyd in town, the Panthers don’t need to be as reliant on Wallace as they have in the past. Wallace can get a feel for his big third season at his own pace. He will be pushed by the likes of Claudin Cherelus, Bam Martin-Scott and seventh-round pick Jackson Kuwatch this summer.
Injury: Undisclosed
Likely status to start camp: Active
Incoom, the Panthers’ 2026 special teams tackles leader, was held out of minicamp workouts after undergoing an undisclosed procedure in June. Canales didn’t seem too concerned about Incoom’s status for training camp as he alluded to the surgery as being a minor fix.
Incoom played 85% of Carolina’s special teams snaps last season. He was also the team’s special teams representative on the Pro Bowl ballot last year. Incoom is likely to make the roster, but he’s also competing for a job in the pass rush rotation in camp. Hopefully for him, this procedure will help him play without discomfort or restrictions in the summer.
Read more Charlotte transportation committee rejects rail stop despite community push
