D.J. Wonnum
EDR/LB CAR (14)
Tue 12/16/25 8:34 PM

Wonnum recorded four tackles (two solo), including 2.0 sacks, in a loss to New Orleans on Sunday.
EDGE Analysis
Wonnum led a strong effort by Carolina's defense, but the team's offense was able to put up just 17 points. Wonnum got into the sacks column for the first time this season after going 12 games without taking down the opposing QB. He posted 4.0 sacks in just eight contests last year.

D.J. Wonnum
EDR/LB CAR (14)
Sun 10/5/25 11:42 AM

Wonnum (hip) is active for Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
EDGE Analysis
Wonnum was inactive for Week 4, but his absence will be limited to only one game. He's played a versatile role, primarily as a pass rusher and coverage linebacker through three games in the season. Across three games, Wonnum has totaled six tackles, two passes defensed, one interception and one quarterback hit.

D.J. Wonnum
EDR/LB CAR (14)
Fri 10/3/25 3:20 PM

Wonnum (hip) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Dolphins.
EDGE Analysis
The veteran edge rusher upgraded from limited practice Wednesday and Thursday to a full-go Friday, suggesting he's trending toward playing in Sunday's contest. Wonnum's return would be a huge addition to the Panthers' defense, as he recorded six total tackles and two passes defended, including one interception, over the team's first three games. If he's active in Week 5, he'll likely serve as Carolina's top edge rusher and start opposite Patrick Jones.

D.J. Wonnum
EDR/LB CAR (14)
Fri 9/26/25 12:57 PM

Wonnum (hip) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Patriots.
EDGE Analysis
The 27-year-old was unable to practice all week after likely sustaining a hip injury in the Panthers' Week 3 win over the Falcons, so it's no surprise he'll be sidelined Sunday. Wonnum has played 134 defensive snaps over Carolina's first three games, recording six total tackles and one pick-six. With Patrick Jones (hamstring) and him sidelined in Week 4, the Panthers' top edge-rush duo is expected to be rookies Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen.

D.J. Wonnum
EDR/LB CAR (14)
Thu 9/25/25 5:06 PM

Wonnum didn't practice Thursday due to a hip injury.
EDGE Analysis
Despite playing 48 defensive snaps and recording two total tackles during the Panthers' Week 3 win over the Falcons, the South Carolina product appears to have sustained a hip injury. Wonnum has now logged consecutive DNPs to begin Carolina's week of practice, making it unlikely that he suits up for the Week 4 matchup against the Patriots. However, if the 27-year-old upgrades to limited or full participation in Friday's session, he could play in Sunday's contest.

D.J. Wonnum
EDR/LB CAR (14)
Sat 8/9/25 1:29 PM

Wonnum (back) finished Friday's 30-10 preseason loss against the Browns with one assisted tackle.
EDGE Analysis
Wonnum worked with the first-team defense and ended up playing 11 snaps. The 2020 fourth-rounder was tending to a back injury during the offseason, but he appears past the issue given his ability to play Friday. Wonnum missed the first nine games of the 2024 regular season due to a lingering quadriceps injury but managed to finish with 37 tackles (18 solo), including 4.0 sacks, one pass defense and one forced fumble across eight games. The Panthers' preseason depth chart has Wonnum starting at outside linebacker alongside Patrick Jones, Trevin Wallace and Christian Rozeboom.

D.J. Wonnum
EDR/LB CAR (14)
Tue 6/10/25 8:19 PM

Wonnum (back) participated in a limited capacity during minicamp Tuesday, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.
EDGE Analysis
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.

D.J. Wonnum
EDR/LB CAR (14)
Tue 5/27/25 2:23 PM

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

D.J. Wonnum
EDR/LB CAR (14)
Wed 1/8/25 5:42 PM

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

D.J. Wonnum
EDR/LB CAR (14)
Fri 1/3/25 8:19 PM

Wonnum (knee/rest) does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Falcons.
EDGE Analysis
Wonnum opened the week as a DNP in order to get some additional rest due to a lingering knee 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.