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Carolina Panthers Notebook: When Will OLB D.J. Wonnum Break Sack-Less Slump?

Jeff Hawkins Written by Sports EditorJeff Hawkins
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Carolina Panthers Notebook: When Will OLB D.J. Wonnum Break Sack-Less Slump?

The Carolina Panthers are waiting. They need more from D.J. Wonnum.

Entering Monday night’s primetime outing against the San Francisco 49ers, the starting outside linebacker remained sack-less in 11 starts.

The Panthers’ brass expected more from the veteran. In eight games after returning from injury last season, Wonnum recorded four sacks. He has provided veteran leadership to rookies Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen, but not much production.

The key 2024 free-agent signing posted 23 tackles (10 solo), two passes defended and one interception this season. Participating in 68 percent of defensive snaps, Wonnum generated 20 quarterback pressures and one QB hit, according to Pro Football Focus.

Inserted into the Week 7 starting lineup after Patrick Jones II’s season-ending back injury, Scourton collected three sacks. If Wonnum, who is slated to re-enter free agency following this season, continues to struggle, how much longer until Umanmielen, who had 1.5 sacks, earns his first start?

Carolina Panthers TEs Could Be Key

Coming off a franchise-best 448 yards passing last Sunday, quarterback Bryce Young proved he can deliver downfield to the wideouts, who confirmed their big-play abilities.

The tight ends could have their primetime opportunity Monday night.

Over their past five games, the 49ers yielded 34 receptions for 353 yards and four touchdowns to opposing tight ends.

Panthers coach Dave Canales, the primary play caller, could unleash the tight end trio of Tommy Tremble, Mitchell Evans and Ja’Tavion Sanders against Dee Winters. On 73 targets, the 49ers linebacker allowed 62 receptions for 454 yards and five TDs, per Pro Football Focus.

Panthers Facing 49ers With New ILBs

With Christian Rozeboom (hamstring) and Trevin Wallace (shoulder) sidelined Monday night, the Panthers likely will go with a new starting duo.

Claudin Cherelus and Krys Barnes, after receiving a projected practice-team elevation, were expected to get the starting nods.

A third starter, center Cade Mays (ankle), will be replaced by utility lineman Austin Corbett, according to The Charlotte Observer.

Nick Samac likely will back up Corbett.

Jeff Hawkins Written by Sports EditorJeff Hawkins
Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry, in both print and digital media. He joined the Sportscasting team in 2021 following a decade of freelancing. He spent his early career as a reporter for various newspapers in Illinois, New York, Florida, North Carolina, and Michigan, with a particular emphasis as a beat reporter for the Chicago Blackhawks. Jeff earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from Oakland University. Over the course of his career he earned several sports writing awards, including two national awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors for column writing and news reporting. One of the five prized columns included a commentary on NASCAR's increasing corporate influences, particularly in northern racetracks — commentary which you might find Jeff building on as part of the Motorsports writing team at Sportscasting now.  
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