Ikem Ekwonu - NFL News, Rumors, & Updates

Undergoes surgery Ekwonu underwent surgery this week to repair a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Impact The 2022 first-round pick from NC State ruptured the patellar tendon in his right knee during the Panthers' wild-card loss to the Rams, but he's already underwent surgery to address the issue. Recovery timelines for this injury typically range from six to 12 months, as Jimmy Graham was able to return nine months after the suffering a similar injury during the 2016 NFL season, per Person. Once fully healthy, Ekwonu is expected to remain the Panthers' starting left tackle in 2026.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Here's how much time Ikem Ekwonu could miss after ruptured patellar tendon The timing could not be worse.

6 DAYS AGO • CATCRAVE.COM

Ikem Ekwonu suffers ruptured patellar tendon in playoff loss The left tackle will be out a significant amount of time, which will force the Panthers to adjust the offseason planning.

6 DAYS AGO • PANTHERS.COM

Ruptures patellar tendon Panthers coach Dave Canales confirmed that Ekwonu suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee during Saturday's 34-31 loss to the Rams in wild-card round, Mike Kaye of th...

Impact The typical recovery timeline for a ruptured patellar tendon is six to 12 months, leaving Ekwonu's status up in the air for the start of the 2026 campaign. The 2022 first-rounder has started 64 regular-season games in four years with Carolina, including 15 starts at left tackle in 2025. Ekwonu is set to enter next season on a one-year, $17.56 million contract after the Panthers exercised his fifth-year option last April.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Dealing with significant injury Ekwonu (knee) suffered a significant knee injury that will carry into the offseason, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Impact Ekwonu suffered the injury early in the first quarter, and he was carted off the field. After the game, he was spotted on crutches with a brace around his knee, per Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer. While there hasn't been an exact diagnosis, Ekwonu is likely to miss at least some offseason activity.

JANUARY 11 • ROTOWIRE

Panthers get worst Ikem Ekwonu injury update possible after playoff loss The Carolina Panthers may have put forth an admirable effort in their postseason duel with the Los Angeles Rams, but the 34-31 scoreline had...

JANUARY 11 • CATCRAVE.COM

Ikem Ekwonu injury update: Latest news on Panthers OT's status in wild-card game | Sporting News Carolina Panthers tackle Ikem Ekwonu is dealing with an injury in the first half of the wild-card game against the Los Angeles Rams.

JANUARY 10 • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

Questionable to return Ekwonwu (knee) is questionable to return to Carolina's wild-card matchup versus the Rams on Saturday, David Newton of ESPN reports.

Impact Ekwonwu was carted off the field during the first quarter after sustaining a knee injury. Yosh Nijman will take over at left tackle if Ekwonwu ends up being unable to return.

JANUARY 10 • ROTOWIRE

Panthers now have 104 million reasons to make sure Ikem Ekwonu goes nowhere Ikem Ekwonu won't overlook this development.

JANUARY 5 • CATCRAVE.COM

Logs full practice Wednesday Ekwonu (knee) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

Impact Ekwonu was held out of the Panthers' Week 16 win over the Buccaneers due to a knee injury. He is now on track to play against the Seahawks on Sunday and will likely reclaim the starting job at left tackle from Yosh Nijman.

DECEMBER 25, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Four takeaways from Tuesday, including the search for consistency, Ikem Ekwonu, playoffs, and more The Panthers are trying to break out of a cycle of alternating wins and losses, as they try to find consistent football. Plus more on the pl...

DECEMBER 23, 2025 • PANTHERS.COM

Not playing Week 16 Ekwonu (knee) is inactive for Sunday's game against Tampa Bay.

Impact Ekwonu is dealing with a knee injury and logged a DNP/DNP/LP practice progression this week. Despite getting in some work Friday, he's not going to be able to play against the Bucs. Yosh Nijman will start at left tackle for the Panthers.

DECEMBER 21, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable for Sunday Ekwonu (knee) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Buccaneers.

Impact The 25-year-old upgraded from DNPs on Wednesday and Thursday to a limited session Friday, suggesting he's trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's divisional matchup. If Ekwonu is inactive in the Week 16 contest, Yosh Nijman will likely get the nod at left tackle.

DECEMBER 19, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Four takeaways from Wednesday, including Ikem Ekwonu's status, and bouncing back The left tackle did not practice Wednesday, but is hoping to be ready for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers. Plus more including the art...

DECEMBER 17, 2025 • PANTHERS.COM

Dealing with knee injury Ekwonu (knee) didn't practice Wednesday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Impact The fourth-year pro from NC State appears to have sustained a knee injury in the Panthers' Week 15 loss to the Saints. Ekwonu now likely needs to practice in full Thursday or Friday to avoid an injury designation heading into the Week 16 matchup against the Buccaneers.

DECEMBER 17, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Week 16 Wednesday Injury Report: Four held out of practice Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu and wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan were held out on Wednesday, as they began their prep for this week's critical ga...

DECEMBER 17, 2025 • PANTHERS.COM

Panthers insider affirmed what fans have already figured out about Ikem Ekwonu An extension could be imminent.

DECEMBER 5, 2025 • CATCRAVE.COM

Ikem Ekwonu just stated what every Panthers fan needed to hear after monumental win The Carolina Panthers have already exceeded their expected win total for 2025 with four games remaining. They've been one of, if not the NFL...

DECEMBER 2, 2025 • CATCRAVE.COM

Ikem Ekwonu says Panthers' O-line shares blame in loss to Patriots. Is he right? “Too much miscommunication today,” Ekwonu told The Observer. “Too much: right position but wrong technique; right position, wrong something....

SEPTEMBER 30, 2025 • THESTATE.COM

Calais Campbell's sack with 26 seconds left secures Cardinals' 27-22 win after Carolina comeback try

The Arizona Cardinals have beaten the Carolina Panthers 27-22, thanks to a strong defensive effort

SEPTEMBER 14, 2025 • Associated Press

Officially active Sunday Ekwonu (appendectomy) is active for Sunday's Week 2 game against Arizona.

Impact Ekwonu had to miss Week 1 while continuing to recover from an appendectomy, but he's progressed enough to suit up against the Cardinals. He's slated to start at left tackle.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Inactives: Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu back in the lineup The Panthers will be without veteran defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton this week, after he sustained a hamstring injury in the opener.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2025 • PANTHERS.COM

Is Ikem Ekwonu playing today? Full injury update for Panthers left tackle The left tackle is expected to feature this time around.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2025 • CATCRAVE.COM

Expected to play Ekwonu (appendectomy) is expected to be good to go for Carolina's matchup versus the Cardinals on Sunday, Alex Zietlow of The Observer reports.

Impact Ekwonu was a limited participant in practice throughout the week as he continues to work his way back from the appendectomy he underwent last month but is now trending towards making his season debut. If he ends up being unable to play however, Yosh Nijman would likely get the start at left tackle for the second straight week.

SEPTEMBER 13, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Could return Sunday Ekwonu (appendectomy) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Cardinals.

Impact The 2022 first-round pick from NC State was able to practice in a limited fashion all week for the first time since undergoing an emergency appendectomy in late August, which is a good sign for his potential availability Sunday. However, if Ekwonu isn't ready for in-game action just yet, Yosh Nijman will likely get the start at left tackle.

SEPTEMBER 12, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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Calais Campbell's sack with 26 seconds left secures Cardinals' 27-22 win after Carolina comeback try