DJ Wonnum - Page 2 - NFL News, Rumors, & Updates

Starting to practice again Wonnum (back) participated in a limited capacity during minicamp Tuesday, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Impact Wonnum sat out both of Carolina's last two open workouts entirely, so Tuesday's action is a sign of progress in his recovery from a lingering back issue. There's no concrete timetable for his full return, but once available he projects as a starter on the edge for the Panthers in 2025.

JUNE 11, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Tending to back issue Wonnum (back) did not participate at OTAs on Tuesday, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Impact Wonnum apparently had his back "flare up," so it's not immediately clear what brought about the injury. There is also currently no concrete timeline for his return. For now, DJ Johnson and rookie second-rounder Nic Scourton figure to see more cracks at first-team practice reps.

MAY 27, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Panthers release veteran edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, rule out Jonathan Brooks for the season

The Carolina Panthers have released veteran Jadeveon Clowney after selecting two edge rushers in the NFL draft

MAY 8, 2025 • Associated Press

Panthers GM Dan Morgan hits balance between upgrading defense, adding playmakers for QB Bryce Young

The Carolina Panthers had the worst defense in the league by far last season, but that didn’t stop general manager Dan Morgan from selecting wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan from Ar...

APRIL 26, 2025 • Associated Press

Promising 2024 campaign Wonnum recorded 37 total tackles, including 4.0 sacks, defended one pass and forced one fumble across eight games in 2024.

Impact Wonnum signed a two-year, $12.5 million deal with the Panthers last offseason after tying his career-best sack total (8.0) with the Vikings in 2023. However, the 27-year-old missed Carolina's first nine games this season due to a lingering quadriceps injury sustained during his last season in Minnesota. Despite the limited playing time, Wonnum finished third on the Panthers' defense in sacks, tallying 26 pressures in just eight games. The South Carolina product showed flashes of brilliance throughout his appearances and is expected to serve as Carolina's top edge rusher in 2025, looking to help bolster a defense that tied for the second-fewest sacks (32.0) in the NFL this season.

JANUARY 8, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

With Bryce Young settled at QB, Panthers can focus on rebuilding NFL's worst defense

The Carolina Panthers aren’t heading to the postseason, but they believe they’ve finally found a franchise quarterback

JANUARY 6, 2025 • Associated Press

D.J. Wonnum on entering the offseason healthy Watch the Panthers outside linebacker speak to the media as the team clears out their lockers to cap the 2024 campaign.

JANUARY 6, 2025 • PANTHERS.COM

Good to go against Atlanta Wonnum (knee/rest) does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Falcons.

Impact Wonnum opened the week as a DNP in order to get some additional rest due to a lingering issue. He ramped up his practice participation over the next two days, culminating in a full session Friday. Wonnum has logged 32 tackles (17 solo), including 4.0 sacks, one pass defense and fumble recovery across seven regular-season games.

JANUARY 4, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to practice Thursday Wonnum (knee/rest) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Impact Wonnum was able to play through a shoulder issue during the Panthers' Week 17 loss to the Buccaneers and finished with five tackles (two solo) while playing 55 snaps (47 on defense, eight on special teams). The 2020 fourth-rounder didn't practice Wednesday due to rest and a knee issue, but his limited participation Thursday indicates that he is trending towards being available for Sunday's regular-season finale against Atlanta. In the six games since the Panthers' Week 11 bye, Wonnum has registered 26 tackles (13 solo), including 3.0 sacks, and one pass defense.

JANUARY 2, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

D.J. Wonnum on Panthers mentality heading into season finale Watch the Panthers outside linebacker speak to the media in Week 18.

JANUARY 2, 2025 • PANTHERS.COM

Will play against Tampa Bay Wonnum (shoulder) is active for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Impact Wonnum closed the week with consecutive limited practices due to a shoulder injury. However, the injury doesn't appear to be serious enough for him to be sidelined for Sunday's NFC South showdown. Wonnum will start at edge rusher opposite Jadeveon Clowney.

DECEMBER 29, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable to face Tampa Bay Wonnum (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Bucs.

Impact After logging a full practice Wednesday, Wonnum was limited Thursday and Friday. He missed the first nine games of the season and has been dealing with injuries much of the year. Wonnum has played in each of the last six contests, logging 27 tackles (15 solo), including 4.0 sacks, and one forced fumble as the team's top edge rusher.

DECEMBER 27, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Nursing shoulder injury Wonnum (shoulder) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Impact Wonnum has been playing through knee and hamstring injuries over the past few weeks. He was a full participant in Tuesday's half-speed practice, but he was limited in Thursday's session due to a shoulder injury. Wonnum would avoid an injury designation heading into Sunday's NFC South clash against the Buccaneers if he were to practice fully Friday. Wonnum has logged 21 tackles (11 solo), including 3.0 sacks, and one pass defense in the five games since the Panthers' Week 11 bye.

DECEMBER 26, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

D.J. Wonnum: 'We have to stop the run' "We get another opportunity next week, and we'll go back to the drawing board' the linebacker said.

DECEMBER 16, 2024 • PANTHERS.COM

D.J. Wonnum talks facing Cowboys offense Watch the Panthers linebacker speak to the media on Wednesday.

DECEMBER 11, 2024 • PANTHERS.COM

Limited Wednesday Wonnum (knee) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Wonnum played through his knee injury and served as one of the Panthers' top defensive playmakers in Sunday's loss to the Eagles, recording five total tackles, including 1.0 sacks, over 42 defensive snaps. It's likely that Wednesday's limited practice session is precautionary, but Wonnum's participation Thursday and Friday will be the best indication of whether he can suit up in Week 15, when the Panthers host the Cowboys.

DECEMBER 11, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Gets sack in loss Wonnum recorded five tackles (three solo) including 1.0 sacks during Sunday's 22-16 loss at Philadelphia.

Impact After missing the first nine games of the season while recovering from a quadriceps surgery, Wonnum has now posted sacks in three of the Panthers' last four contests. He'll be looking to keep up the heat in Week 15 versus the pass-heavy Cowboys.

DECEMBER 10, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Good to go against Eagles Wonnum (knee) is active for Sunday's game against the Eagles, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Impact Wonnum opened the week with consecutive limited practices due to a knee injury. He finished strong with a full practice Friday and has done enough to be cleared to play Sunday. In his three games since returning from the reserve/PUP list in early November, Wonnum has logged 14 tackles (eight solo), including 2.0 sacks, and one forced fumble.

DECEMBER 8, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Sideline Pass Ep. 12 with DJ Wonnum Get a front-row seat to Carolina Panthers football with Sideline Pass! This week Kristen and Sharon recap the Panthers week 13 loss to the B...

DECEMBER 4, 2024 • PANTHERS.COM

Nursing knee issue Wonnum (knee) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Impact Wonnum was also limited at practice the Wednesday before Carolina's tilt versus the Buccaneers in Week 13, but that was due to a hamstring injury, and his knee issue looks like it's separate. If he can't manage a full practice Thursday or Friday, he'll likely go into the weekend with an injury designation.

DECEMBER 4, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

D.J. Wonnum talks about facing Saquon Barkley Panthers linebacker D.J. Wonnum discusses the Carolina defense, and how they're already preparing for Eagles running back Saquon Barkley.

DECEMBER 2, 2024 • PANTHERS.COM

D.J. Wonnum on his desire to bring energy to the defense Watch the Panthers outside linebacker speak to the media about the team's Week 13 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

NOVEMBER 27, 2024 • PANTHERS.COM

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield looks to remain unbeaten against the Panthers, who cut him in 2022

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is looking to go 4-0 in his career against his former team, the Carolina Panthers, on Sunday in NFC South matchup

NOVEMBER 27, 2024 • Associated Press

Dealing with hamstring issue Wonnum (hamstring) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Impact Wonnum played through a quadriceps issue in the Panthers' Week 12 loss to the Chiefs, recording five total tackles, including 1.0 sacks, across 51 defensive snaps. However, it now appears he picked up a hamstring injury in the process. Wonnum's practice participation Thursday and Friday will likely provide the best indication of whether the first-year Panther can suit up for the Week 13 matchup against the Buccaneers.

NOVEMBER 27, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

D.J. Wonnum wants the defense to take advantage of more opportunities Watch the Panthers outside linebacker speak to the media following the team's 30-27 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

NOVEMBER 25, 2024 • PANTHERS.COM

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Panthers release veteran edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, rule out Jonathan Brooks for the season

Panthers GM Dan Morgan hits balance between upgrading defense, adding playmakers for QB Bryce Young

With Bryce Young settled at QB, Panthers can focus on rebuilding NFL's worst defense

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield looks to remain unbeaten against the Panthers, who cut him in 2022