Chandler Wooten’s NFL journey took an explosive turn this week, as the former Auburn linebacker went from being a practice squad member with the San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday to making a game-changing start for the Carolina Panthers just days later.
Wooten’s big break came after the Panthers faced a roster crunch at linebacker due to injuries, including a concussion sidelining starter Josey Jewell. With limited options, Carolina signed Wooten off the 49ers’ practice squad, and the decision paid off in a major way.
In his first start for the Panthers against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wooten delivered a performance for the ages. Despite Carolina’s 48-14 loss, Wooten was a standout, leading the team with an impressive 14 tackles. His seven solo stops were more than he had accumulated in his entire career up until that point, showcasing his undeniable talent and readiness when the Panthers needed him most.
Wooten’s return to Carolina is especially significant considering he had been released earlier in November after spending three seasons with the team. His impressive return now brings his career total to 30 tackles in just four games this season, and his performance on Sunday has solidified his place as a rising star in the Panthers’ defense.
Wooten’s success is part of a larger wave of former Auburn players making an impact in the NFL this season, with four other former Tigers featuring prominently in the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup. While Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown is on IR, other Auburn alumni, including linebacker K.J. Britt and cornerback Jamel Dean, contributed to their teams, making it clear that Auburn’s legacy is alive and well in the NFL.
