Life isn't all sweet for the Carolina Panthers.
Key free-agent addition, linebacker D.J. Wonnum, will most likely miss OTAs as he continues rehab for a partially torn quad, Panthers head coach Dave Canales told reporters Tuesday.
"I feel confident about playing with the guys we have right now," Canales said. "DJ Wonnum, I don't want him to speak specifically about his injury and all that stuff, but he's rehabbing. But from his play on film, this is a starting-caliber outside linebacker with the pass rush. He's versatile. I'm really excited about him."
The Panthers signed Wonnum to a two-year, $12.5 million deal during the opening days of the 2024 NFL free agency cycle.
He was brought in to be a Brian Burns replacement, as the Panthers' defense looks to retool in the image of new general manager Dan Morgan.
That won't come easy, however, with Wonnum still recovering from an injury he obtained against the Detroit Lions on Dec. 27, 2023.
Before that injury, he was enjoying what was a career season. Carolina hopes when he returns, he will pick up right where he left off.
More must-reads: