Jaguars vs. Panthers: Carolina’s Ikem Ekwonu doubtful

A key member of the Panthers’ offense is doubtful for Sunday’s Week 1 game vs. the Jaguars.

The Carolina Panthers may be without starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Ekwonu did return to practice on Friday in a limited capacity, but he is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game.

Ekwonu had emergency surgery to remove his appendix last season. He did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday.

The sixth overall pick by the Panthers in 2022, Ekwonu has started 49 out of 51 games during his first three seasons.

Over the last two years, he has been one of PFF’s higher graded run-blockers at the tackle position.

Backup options at tackle for the Panthers include Yosh Nijman and Brady Christensen.

Also of note on the Panthers’ injury report, guards Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt will play on Sunday. This duo helped pave the way last season for what was a productive Panthers’ running game that will test the Jaguars‘ interior defensive line.

Cornerback Damarri Mathis has been ruled out. He sustained an ACL injury during Wednesday’s practice.