The Carolina Panthers enter mandatory minicamp with several key players at different stages of recovery. Wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan has been limited by minor foot soreness, while linebacker Trevin Wallace continues rehabbing from shoulder surgery that ended his 2025 season. Running back Jonathon Brooks remains one of Carolina's biggest injury storylines as he works his way back from a second ACL tear with hopes of increasing his workload ahead of training camp.
Tetairoa McMillan - Foot
McMillan has been dealing with foot soreness that limited his participation during minicamp. The Panthers appear to be taking a cautious approach with the rookie receiver, and there have been no indications of a significant injury. He remains on track for training camp and is expected to be fully available as he prepares for his first NFL season.
Bobby Brown III - Calf
Brown was limited during Panthers OTAs as he works through a lingering calf injury. HE returned to practice in phase 3. The team kept him with the rehab group early in the offseason program to manage the issue and avoid any setbacks. Brown is reportedly progressing well and is expected to ramp up his workload over the coming weeks, with a strong chance of participating in some capacity—or fully—by mandatory minicamp.
Ikem Ekwonu - Right Patellar
Ekwonu suffered a devastating injury in the Wildcard matchup with the Rams, rupturing his right patellar tendon. With the severity of this injury and with how late it came into the season, Ekwonu will miss the entirety of the 2026-2027 season, and with the Panthers using their first-round pick to draft a new left tackle, the future is uncertain for Ekwonu.
Trevin Wallace - Shoulder
Wallace is recovering from shoulder surgery and participated in the offseason program while wearing a no-contact jersey. His workload was limited, but his recovery appears to be progressing as expected.
The Panthers anticipate that Wallace will be ready for training camp, with no major concerns about his availability moving forward.
Jonathon Brooks - ACL
Brooks continues to work his way back from a second ACL tear, one of the more difficult injuries for any running back to overcome. He had a limited role during the offseason program as the Panthers gradually ramped up his workload.
While his recovery is progressing, Carolina is expected to remain patient with Brooks as he works toward returning to full strength heading into training camp.
Tershawn Wharton - Neck
Wharton missed 8 games due to lingering toe and hamstring issues; however, the bigger issue came at the beginning of OTAs, where he reported with neck discomfort that required surgery. His return has no timetable, and with the injury involving the neck and PUP already confirmed, the concern no longer becomes about the season, but his career.
