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Ejiro Evero didn't want to guess or provide an estimation.
The Carolina Panthers' defensive coordinator simply conveyed only the information he had on Tershawn Wharton's neck injury and offseason surgery.
When asked the "magical question" about the defensive lineman's potential return timetable during Wednesday's teleconference, Evero admitted to not having a detailed answer.
"I do not (know)," he said. "Certainly, he's not working with us right now, but it's been good to have him in the building and he's taking his notes and doing all the stuff in the classroom.
"I know he's rehabbing. Exactly when he'll be back, I'm not certain of that. But the one thing I do know is that he'll be ready when he is."
With Wharton sidelined, veteran Bobby Brown III could be challenged by two prospects, April's second-round draft pick Lee Hunter and massive 2025 fifth-round draft pick Cam Jackson.
All three participated in Tuesday's opening practice of the NFL offseason-training activities (OTAs).
Panthers could miss injured DL Turk Wharton
Wharton has endured an injury-plagued tenure with the Panthers. Since signing a three-year, $45 million contract last offseason, the two-time Super Bowl champion missed eight games in 2025 because of toe and hamstring injuries. He finished with 38 tackles and 2.0 sacks.
Until Wharton returns, Evero may be granted extra time to help develop the team's young defensive linemen, Hunter and Jackson. The former Florida standout appeared in nine games last season, posting nine tackles (two solo).
"We expect the same leap out of Cam that we expect out of all of our second-year players," Evero said. "The more experience you get, whether it's in a game or in practice, experience with our systems and techniques and fundamentals.
"All of those things have to come alive for him. We're expecting a big jump.
"We know how critical the play on the interior is and it's a great opportunity for Cam to take advantage and make something happen off of it."
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