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I feel like there hasn’t been enough talk about the pass rush lately. I know we signed Jadeveon Clowneyand that’s not just fantastic for in-game reasons. I also know that Rome wasn’t built in a day. But what about DJ Wonnum?

I haven’t heard too many rave reviews about the pass rush in camp from DJ Johnson,* K’Lavon Chaissonor even* Eku Leota outside of the first preseason game. So, yeah, Wonnum? From what I can tell, he’s had a setback, but is there a chance he’ll go on the injured list or is he someone the Panthers can still count on? He’s important. —John, Matthews, NC

I guess it’s all a matter of perspective. From where I stand, it seems like the lack of big names at outside linebacker is one of the first things discussed about this team. Even with a healthy Wonnum, they aren’t deep at that position, and they don’t have one yet.

After the “setback” you mentioned following his quad surgery, Wonnum remains on the unable to perform list. And yes, he is important. But his health is key, and once he is healthy again, you will consider next steps.

Tackle Yosh Nijman was cleared to return to practice on Thursday, but Wonnum is still working on his return. He comes out in the middle of practice with Jonathon Brooks and Amaré Barno (recovering from torn ACL) after they practiced elsewhere. Since he hasn’t practiced yet this offseason, it’s reasonable to assume Wonnum could start the year on the PUP list, which would rule him out for the first four weeks.

But yeah, that’s an area they’ll be looking at closely next week when teams start releasing players. The Panthers have priority on any released players (players in their first four seasons, that is), but that doesn’t always mean they’ll find one.

Pass rushers are a rare and valuable commodity, and if a team believes they have a player who has the potential to become one, they’re going to hold onto him with both hands. So they’re going to look at the guys who are opening up, be aware that they may not have much, and try to make the most of what they have.

The good news is that Ejiro Evero does his job pretty well and you can add pressure in a few different ways rather than having a player just pin his ears back and charge. The Panthers should have a stronger foundation in run defense this year and that creates opportunities to do different things on obvious pass attempts. But yes, they need more guys there besides Clowney. Stay tuned.