Panthers HC Dave Canales confirms the worst about an offensive starter’s injury, complicating the team’s top offseason priority
Ikem Ekwonu suffered a torn patellar tendon in Saturday’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
The Carolina Panthers suffered more than a tough loss on Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams in the first round of the NFC playoffs.
The Panthers also lost one of their young standout offensive players in left tackle Ikem Ekwonu, who left the game early with a knee injury and was quickly ruled out soon after.
While meeting with the media on Sunday afternoon, Panthers head coach Dave Canales confirmed the worst regarding Ekwonu’s injury and the long recovery process ahead.
Ikem Ekwonu suffered torn patellar tendon in Saturday’s loss to the Rams
“Ickey has a ruptured patellar tendon and he’s going to require surgery,” Canales told reporters. “Timeline wise, all of those times vary and all that, but it’s significant. It’s going to require surgery. So, prayers and thoughts for Ickey. He just battled for us and worked through some things along the season. Just a guy that I love, a guy that you really trust out there. We’ll all be with him the whole way and wish him a speedy recovery as he comes back.”
A ruptured patellar is one of the worst injuries you could have and it’s a shame to hear this news. The recovery time definitely varies anywhere between 6-12 months, so the process for Ekwonu’s return will certainly be a long one.
The Panthers drafted Ekwonu with the sixth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of N.C. State to play for his hometown team and be the blindside protector for quarterback Bryce Young. This season, Ekwonu started 15 regular season games allowing five sacks and 40 total pressures.
Injury update complicates the Panthers’ offseason and eventual plans with Ekwonu
This upcoming offseason was going to be a pivotal one for Ekwonu. Next season will be Ekwonu’s fifth-year option year and the final season of his rookie contract. Ekwonu is eligible for a contract extension with the team at any point but, that’s something that could be complicated now for the organization to commit to after this latest injury.
An injury this significant is difficult to come back from and play at the same high level. It’s a brutal time to suffer such an injury that could continue to cause Ekwonu to miss even more time into next season as well. And from a business-mindset, the Panthers would likely want to see Ekwonu back on the field and see how he looks after this major injury before investing in a massive extension.
If that’s the case, the Panthers would need to make sure they have a serviceable tackle on the roster for the offseason and to potentially be ready to start the 2026 season. Yosh Nijman, who replaced Ekwonu on Saturday and served as the team’s reserve tackle, could be an option to bring back for that role in free agency.
“Yosh stepped in there and allowed us to play some good ball,” Canales added. “Really proud again, just another moment where somebody had to come and step in.”
As for Ekwonu, we’ll see what kind of decision general manager Dan Morgan looks to make for a player that was expected to earn $20+ million per year on his second contract with the team.
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