One of the main factors behind the Carolina Panthers’ struggles last season was their significant injury woes, which laid bare the team’s lack of depth and overall talent—especially on the defensive side of the ball. Dan Morgan and Dave Canales know they can’t afford a repeat if they hope to turn things around.
Although it’s still early in the offseason and there’s plenty of time before the Panthers kick off against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1, signs of trouble have already begun to emerge with a few players landing on the injury list.
Injuries piling up early for the Panthers, but no reason to panic yet
Head coach Dave Canales recently confirmed that tight end Tommy Tremble underwent surgery to address a back issue. The team opted to take care of the problem now to ensure the 25-year-old has a good shot at a full recovery before the season begins. While Tremble is expected to return for training camp, his absence opens the door for rookie Mitchell Evans to get valuable reps and build early momentum.
“Tommy had a successful back surgery last week. After going over timelines and options, we decided it was best to get it done now while he’s still young and strong,” Canales said via Panthers.com. “This gives him the best chance to bounce back and get on the right path.”
Tremble isn’t the only one dealing with setbacks. Edge rusher D.J. Wonnum is also being managed cautiously due to a back issue. The team is monitoring his condition closely and hasn’t established a firm recovery timeline yet. After parting ways with Jadeveon Clowney to retain Wonnum, the Panthers will be eager to see that decision pay off.
Wide receiver Jalen Coker is another player battling soft tissue problems, which only adds to fans’ anxiety. While these concerns are valid, it’s worth remembering that this stage of the offseason often brings out overreactions. With more than three months left until the regular season, there’s still ample time for players to heal.
So far, there’s no indication that Tremble, Wonnum, or Coker will miss the season opener. Still, given the Panthers’ long history of injury troubles, some unease among the fanbase is understandable. If Carolina can navigate these issues more smoothly this year, it could make all the difference in their quest for a turnaround.