Jul 24, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton (92) talks to the media after practice at training camp. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

Carolina Panthers suffer major defensive loss with immediate negative impact

Originally posted on Carolina Panthers on SI
By Zach Roberts | Last updated Sep 7, 2025 3:27 PM ET

The Carolina Panther s ' defensive line was awful last year. It could not stop the run whatsoever, so GM Dan Morgan set out to fix that. He drafted three defensive linemen and signed two more. The biggest one, arguably, was Turk Wharton, who was supposed to be a big help.

Early on, he looked impactful, as the run defense did look a little better. He returned from the concussion protocol, but then went down with a hamstring injury. One play later, Travis Etienne Jr. ripped off a 71-yard run.

The Panthers had backed Jacksonville up inside the 10 with a brilliant punt, and the defense immediately ruined it. Wharton's presence was missed, and it'll be missed all day. He has officially been ruled out in his Panthers' debut with that hamstring injury.

Tershawn Wharton (hamstring) is OUT, per #Panthers.
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) September 7, 2025

The Panthers are trailing and have been largely unable to contain the run, which is not a good recipe for success. That means Jacksonville is likely to keep running it with a lead, and that is not something Carolina can stop.

During the writing of this, Brian Thomas Jr. got a run and scored a nine-yard touchdown, proving the absence of Wharton to be supremely impactful. After a lengthy delay, it's getting late early for the Panthers.

This article first appeared on Carolina Panthers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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