Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Tershawn “Turk” Wharton aims for better health in 2026 after missing half of 2025 with nagging injuries. The $45 million free-agent acquisition suffered a hamstring injury during the regular-season opener, causing him to miss two games. Wharton then popped up on Week 5’s injury report due to a toe ailment, causing him to miss the next two contests. Lastly, he suffered a freak injury during a walkthrough ahead of Week 15 after tripping on a teammate and planting his foot, straining his hamstring and ultimately forcing him to miss the final four weeks, but he returned for the Wild Card.
He has been unable to avoid the injury bug with Carolina, with another major injury.
Carolina Panthers $45M starter out indefinitely following procedure
Carolina Panthers
Jul 27, 2017; Spartanburg, SC, USA; Carolina Panthers logo helmet and gloves wait on the turf during Panthers Training Camp at Wofford College. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Turk Wharton experienced neck discomfort during the Panthers’ offseason workout program in April. According to an X handle Panthers Statement, he recently underwent a neck procedure and will be out indefinitely. As a result, the team will place Wharton on the PUP list to begin training camp, and it is unclear how long he will remain on the list or whether he will miss the start of the season. He may play this season as the injury is currently not expected to be season-ending.
The #Panthers DL Tershawn Wharton had neck surgery recently and will be out indefinitely, per source pic.twitter.com/nOAMLXVu2m
— Panthers Statement (@Statement_JT) May 15, 2026
Who replaces him for the time being?
Texas Tech Red Raiders, Lee Hunter
Nov 8, 2025; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive lineman Lee Hunter (2) reacts in the second half of the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images
Lee Hunter is expected to take over for Turk Wharton as the team’s starting defensive tackle in practice, alongside Derrick Brown and Bobby Brown III. The Panthers selected the former UCF and Texas Tech standout nose tackle 49th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. Hunter is an excellent run-stopper and a solid pass-rusher with 7.5 career sacks in college. He recently slimmed down from 330 to 318 pounds during the pre-draft process to improve his stamina, quickness, and pass-rushing ability, hoping to become an every-down defender in the NFL.