Carolina Panthers left tackle Ikem Ekwonu’s participation in the team’s season-opening game against the Jacksonville Jaguars is in question following emergency appendectomy surgery. Ekwonu, 24, reported stomach pain last week, which led to the procedure. Head coach Dave Canales recently stated that the player is ‘day-to-day’ regarding his return to action. The team’s medical staff recommended the surgery after Ekwonu’s symptoms escalated, and he did not take part in Monday’s practice sessions. Given the uncertainty, the Panthers may have to rely on backup Yosh Nijman if Ekwonu is not ready for the game.
Ekwonu, chosen with the sixth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has been a crucial player for the Panthers. He has started all 17 games in each of his first two seasons and started 15 of 17 games last season. The appendectomy procedure, while common, can lead to varying recovery times for athletes. Previous examples in the NFL include safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who missed only eight days in 2022 after a similar procedure, and Green Bay Packers’ left tackle David Bakhtiari, who missed three games that season. Despite these differences, the Panthers have to consider the possibility of Ekwonu’s absence and prepare accordingly.
If Ekwonu cannot start on the road against the Jaguars on Sept. 7 at 1 p.m. ET, Nijman will likely step in. The 29-year-old has experience at right tackle, having started three games last season when Taylor Moton was injured. Nijman previously spent three seasons with the Green Bay Packers and the last two with the Panthers. His overall career includes 25 starts out of 83 games played. This situation highlights the importance of depth at the tackle position for the Panthers as they prepare for their opening matchup. The team will be monitoring Ekwonu’s progress and will update their plans as the season approaches.