NFL adds insult to injury as Carolina Panthers left tackle suffers apparent knee injury in playoff tilt with LA Rams
Ikem Ekwonu has now been ruled out with a right knee injury.
The Carolina Panthers got things started on a high note against the Los Angeles Rams when franchise legend Cam Newton came out to bang the Keep Pounding drum, but all of that home momentum expired quickly for the Panthers when the clock started.
Carolina tried to get aggressive to start the game and went for it on fourth down on the opening drive. After a failed conversion, the Rams marched 45 yards and scored the first points of the game when Matthew Stafford hooked up with Puka Nacua for a touchdown.
Things went from bad to worse for the Panthers on the following drive when left tackle Ikem Ekwonu left the game with an apparent knee injury. Ekwonu was also flagged for holding on the play, that ended with a sack for a loss of five yards. A brutal way to end the second offensive drive.
Panthers LT Ikem Ekwonu officially ruled out with right knee injury
After a brief trip to the tent on the sideline, Ekwonu was taken back into the locker room and officially ruled out of Saturday’s playoff game with a right knee injury. Ekwonu was dealing with a knee injury for weeks now and it’ll be a tough blow to overcome.
With Ekwonu out, reserve tackle Yosh Nijman took over the left tackle duties protecting the blind side of quarterback Bryce Young. Nijman started four games for the Panthers this season, including Week 1 at left tackle when Ekwonu was sidelined due to appendicitis.
On the season, Nijman has allowed two sacks and 22 total pressures on 158 pass blocking snaps, including 12 pressures allowed at the left tackle position.
RG Rob Hunt leaves the game as well vs. Rams
Later in the second quarter, right guard Rob Hunt left the game as well. Hunt returned from the injured reserve for Saturday’s game after suffering a torn biceps earlier in the season. After Hunt left the game, Austin Corbett took his place at right guard.
With Carolina down to an early deficit already, this could turn into a passing game quick for the Panthers offense with two backup offensive linemen in the game.
As for Ekwonu, hopefully the injury isn’t as serious as it looks. If it is, it could be something that could impact him into the start of the 2026 season.
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