Ikem Ekwonu: Everything you need to know

Ekwonu underwent surgery this week to repair a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee, Joe Person of The Athletic reports. 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, and he's already undergone 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.

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 the Charlotte Observer reports. 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.

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