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The Panthers have several decisions to make on their offensive line this offseason.
The Carolina Panthers might be able to breathe a little easier. Their hopes of having stability at left tackle suffered a serious blow when Ikem Ekwonu ruptured the patellar tendon in his right knee on January 10 during the playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Now there is at least a little good news.
Head coach Dave Canales initially said Ekwonu suffered an injury that could put his availability in question. “All those times vary and all that, but it’s significant,” Canales told the reporters.
“It’s going to require surgery, so prayers and thoughts for Ickey. Just battled for us, and worked through some things along the season. Just a guy that I love, a guy that I really trust out there, and so we’ll all be with him the whole way and wish him a speedy recovery as he comes back,” he added.
Ekwonu is now in for an extended recovery period and may be sidelined for much—or possibly the entirety—of the 2026 season. While the setback is significant, general manager Dan Morgan is optimistic that he could return to action earlier than initially anticipated.
“The Surgery Went Very Well”
GettyGeneral manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales have been in charge of the Panthers for two years.
Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer spoke with Morgan at the East-West Shrine Bowl, who had the following to say: “I think the surgery went really well.”
“I know he’s going to work his butt off. Timeline-wise, I think we’re still gathering that info and figuring that side of it out. But I’m sure he’s going to attack the rehab, and hopefully, he’s back sooner than later,” he told Kaye.
Morgan also revealed that the first phase of Ekwonu’s recovery process went according to plan. But the real work is just beginning for him. The Panthers must hope that his recovery continues to move forward without any setbacks.
His teammates are also confident that he will return stronger than ever. “I mean, it’s tough,” defensive tackle Derrick Brown said. “I know God’s got him. I know the type of person Ickey is. God gives the best warriors his toughest tests. So I’ve got a lot of faith that he’ll bounce back 100 percent.”
Panthers are Searching for Answers
GettyOffensive lineman Ikem Ekwonu has become a key protector for quarterback Bryce Young.
The offensive lineman is likely to be sidelined beyond Week 1 of the 2026 season. The team will need to determine his replacement. Maybe moving down in the draft would be beneficial, allowing the Panthers to target the best available offensive linemen to help protect Bryce Young in Ekwonu’s absence.
On April 26, 2025, the Panthers picked Ekwonu’s fifth-year option. He will earn $17,560,000 for the 2026 season. Any talks about a contract extension could be put on hold for now. The Carolina Panthers first need to address potential replacements.
Free agency is just around the corner, with swing tackle Yosh Nijman and starting center Cade Mays set to become free agents.
According to Darin Garrett of panthers.com, offensive linemen Brady Christensen, as well as Austin Corbett and Jake Curhan, could also look to test the open market.
Ultimately, the Panthers are entering a pivotal stretch where Ekwonu’s recovery and their ability to stabilize the offensive line will go hand in hand. The months ahead will be critical for both his future and the overall direction of the franchise.
Fabienne Lampe Fabienne Lampe is a German sports journalist, covering the NFL, College Football, NBA, and Formula 1 for Heavy Sports. Lampe has years of experience covering the NFL, especially the Atlanta Falcons as their sole German reporter. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in the NFL, including Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson. Lampe also hosts a Formula 1 podcast and works as a play-by-play announcer. More about Fabienne Lampe
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