Several Panthers Hit PUP List Ahead of Training Camp

The Panthers officially begin training camp this week though several players are already unavailable in the latest injury report.

Carolina announced on Saturday that WR Cam Sims and rookie CB Chau Smith-Wade were placed on the active/physically unable to perform (PUP) list. They join WR Jalen Coker, OT Yosh Nijman, and OLBs D.J. Wonnum and Amaré Barno as players who will not participate at the start of camp.

Smith-Wade and Wonnum could have large roles this year on a relatively inexperienced defense, so it's particularly discouraging to see those two missing valuable practice reps.

Panthers News: Five Players Placed on PUP List to Open Training Camp

Among the most important storylines to watch is how the Panthers replace star edge rusher Brian Burns, who was traded to the Giants this offseason after leading the team in sacks last year.

Jadeveon Clowney, K'Lavon Chaisson, and Wonnum were brought in with the goal of reaching Burns' production by committee, though there were already concerns nationally about Wonnum's effectiveness on the defense.

If he's kept out of camp for an extended period, that'll only heighten those concerns. Smith-Wade is a promising fifth-round rookie who needs to learn the defense to contribute to a secondary needing some improvements.

Sims, Coker, and Nijman aren't expected to have large roles but could be valuable depth pieces should more injuries arise.

Nonetheless, there's plenty of time before the season begins. Either way, rebuilding teams like the Panthers never want to see players on the PUP list so early. None of these players are overly significant but health is critical in the NFL, so here's hoping all five Panthers are back on the field sooner than later.

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