Wharton (hamstring) is inactive for Saturday's game against the Buccaneers, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.
Wharton was a full participant in practice all three days this week, yet he will still be unable to suit up for Week 18. The defensive end's absence means Bobby Brown will likely see a large portion of snaps at defensive end yet again. The Panthers will be without Wharton for a fourth consecutive game, this time for a matchup that could decide the winner of the NFC South.