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The Carolina Panthers will finish the season without defensive tackle Cam Jackson (shoulder), who will undergo season-ending surgery. The loss does not remove a regular starter from the lineup, but it takes away a young interior option as Carolina prepares for Sunday’s road game against Philadelphia.
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Locked On Panthers host Julian Council said head coach Dave Canales confirmed that Jackson’s shoulder procedure will end his year. Jackson had appeared in one game this season, Week 2 at Atlanta, after entering the year as a depth piece behind defensive tackles Derrick Brown, Bobby Brown III and Lee Hunter.
Jackson’s absence becomes more manageable if defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton (neck) completes his return to action soon. The club opened practice windows Tuesday for Wharton, running back Trevor Etienne, and right tackle Taylor Moton, giving each player 21 days to practice before the team must activate him or leave him sidelined for the season.
Wharton’s potential return changes the immediate equation up front. Carolina can continue to lean on Derrick Brown, Bobby Brown III and Hunter while evaluating whether TeRah Edwards or Aaron Hall fills the remaining game-day role. Council viewed Jackson’s injury as an answer to the roster question created by Wharton’s pending return, rather than a reason for the Panthers to overhaul their defensive-front rotation.
Canales said the returning players needed to show how they respond to practice before their availability becomes clear. Etienne appeared closest to playing this week, while Moton and Wharton still faced additional medical and conditioning checkpoints.
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Carolina’s defensive line now enters the Philadelphia trip with less developmental depth but a possible path to restore experience if Wharton can move from his practice window to the active roster.
Panthers News and Notes
– Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (knee) remains on injured reserve after the injury he suffered in Week 2 and the team has yet to open his 21-day practice window. His absence further concentrates the passing-game workload on Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, and the tight end group.
– Council said cornerback Akayleb Evans will likely receive another opportunity against Philadelphia despite his difficult outing versus Detroit. He does not expect an immediate trade for outside help, leaving the current secondary to handle a major test without Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson.
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This story was originally published October 13, 2026 at 10:01 PM.