Panthers LT Ickey Ekwonu to miss significant time with ruptured patella tendon in right knee

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales said an MRI revealed that starting left tackle Ickey Ekwonu will miss a significant amount of time with a ruptured patella tendon in his right knee.

The normal recovery time for such an injury fluctuates, but is generally considered to be in the six-to-12-month range.

“It is significant and will require surgery,” Canales said Sunday.

Ekwonu was injured in the first quarter of Carolina’s 34-31 playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday and did not return.

It’s a tough situation for the Panthers and Ekwonu, who was entering the final year of his contract after the Panthers picked up his fifth-year option worth $17.56 million. He is guaranteed that money regardless of whether he plays in 2026.

Carolina had been discussing a contract extension with Ekwonu, the No. 6 pick in the 2022 draft, but those talks could be put on hold.

The length of his rehab puts Ekwonu's availability in jeopardy for the start of next season, and Canales said it could impact the team's plans in the NFL draft.

Canales said the injury was not related to the knee injury that caused Ekwonu to miss the team's Week 16 game against Tampa Bay.

“He battled for us and worked through some things during the season,” Canales said. “He's a guy that I love and really trust out there. We will be with him the whole way and wish him a speedy recovery.”

Yosh Nijman replaced Ekwonu on Sunday. Nijman is one of five Panthers offensive linemen who are set to become unrestricted free agents.

Canales also said that defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero has his “full support” and he is “100% confident” that he will back next season in the same role. Evero has come under some criticism after his defense allowed the Rams to drive 71 yards in seven plays in the final 2 1/2 minutes on Saturday for the winning touchdown.

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