Ikem Ekwonu Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Buccaneers vs Panthers game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Sep 14, 2025
Officially active Sunday
Ekwonu (appendectomy) is active for Sunday's Week 2 game against Arizona.
ANALYSIS
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.
Sep 13, 2025
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 Charlotte Observer reports.
ANALYSIS
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.
Sep 12, 2025
Could return Sunday
Ekwonu (appendectomy) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Cardinals.
ANALYSIS
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.
Sep 10, 2025
Logs limited practice Wednesday
Ekwonu (appendectomy) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Per Gantt, coach Dave Canales said Wednesday that Ekwonu was asking for more work, a positive sign as he continues to recover from an appendectomy he underwent prior to Week 1. If he can manage a full practice Thursday or Friday, he might avoid carrying an injury designation into the weekend.
Sep 7, 2025
Won't play vs. Jacksonville
Ekwonu (appendectomy) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Jaguars, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Ekwonu is still recovering from an emergency appendectomy that he underwent in late August, and his next chance to make his 2025 regular-season debut is Week 2 against the Cardinals on Sunday, Sept. 14. Yosh Njiman is expected to start at left tackle in Ekwonu's absence, per Joe Person of The Athletic.
Sep 5, 2025
Doubtful for Week 1
Ekwonu (appendectomy) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's contest against the Jaguars.
ANALYSIS
The 2022 first-round pick upgraded to a limited session Friday after missing practice Wednesday and Thursday, but he's still unlikely to play in Week 1 after undergoing an emergency appendectomy in late August. Yosh Nijman is likely the start at left tackle until Ekwonu returns to full health.
Sep 3, 2025
Doesn't practice Wednesday
Ekwonu (appendectomy) did not participate in Wednesday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Ekwonu underwent an emergency appendectomy in late August. Head coach Dave Canales relayed Wednesday that Ekwonu is unlikely to play Sunday against the Jaguars unless the fourth-year offensive lineman has "a great day" during Friday's practice, per Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site. Yosh Nijman and Brady Christensen have been seeing first-team reps at left tackle and are the top candidates to start in Week 1 if Ekwonu is unable to play.
Sep 3, 2025
Likely out for Week 1
Ekwonu (appendectomy) is expected to miss Sunday's regular-season opener against the Jaguars, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Ekwonu underwent an emergency appendectomy in late August and has not returned to practice since, making it increasingly likely he won't play Sunday. With the 24-year-old expected to miss Week 1, Yosh Nijman is in line to step in at left tackle.
Sep 1, 2025
Considered day-to-day
Head coach Dave Canales told reporters Monday that Ekwonu (appendectomy) is considered day-to-day, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Ekwonu was spotted working off to the side of Panthers' practice Monday, which could be a good sign for his availability in the team's Week 1 contest against the Jaguars. However, if the 2022 first-round pick is unable to suit up Sunday, Yosh Nijman is expected to step in and protect Bryce Young's blindside.
Aug 28, 2025
Hopeful for Week 1
Coach Dave Canales said Thursday he's "super hopeful" Ekwonu (appendectomy) will be ready for the Panthers' Week 1 opener against the Jaguars on Sept. 7, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Ekwonu underwent an emergency appendectomy last weekend and has 10 days to heal up in time for the regular-season opener. Yosh Nijman would figure to be next man up at left tackle for Carolina if Ekwonu is unable to play.
Aug 27, 2025
Status for Week 1 uncertain
Ekwonu is in jeopardy of missing Carolina's Week 1 matchup against Jacksonville after undergoing an emergency appendectomy this past Sunday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Ekwonu experienced abdominal pain over the weekend, and he was taken to hospital for an appendectomy after being examined by the Panthers' medical staff. Yosh Nijman would be the top candidate to start at left left tackle if Ekwonu can't play, though there's optimism that the latter will have enough time to fully recover from the procedure.
May 1, 2025
Gets commitment from Carolina
Ekwonu had his fifth-year option picked up by the Panthers on Thursday, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The 2022 first-round pick has started all 49 games he's played in across three pro seasons. Ekwonu suited up for all 17 regular-season games in 2022 and '23 but missed two with an ankle injury in 2024. He appears likely to retain his starting left tackle role in 2025.
Nov 22, 2024
Ready for Week 12
Ekwonu (ankle) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Chiefs.
ANALYSIS
Ekwonu missed each of the Panthers' last two games due to an ankle injury, but he was able to practice in full Friday, suggesting that he's moved past the issue. Now that the 2022 first-round pick has returned to full health, he's expected to protect Bryce Young's blindside in Week 12.
Nov 8, 2024
Will miss Week 10
The Panthers ruled out Ekwonu (ankle) for Sunday's game against the Giants.
ANALYSIS
Ekwonu didn't practice at all this week leading up to Sunday's contest in Germany and will miss his second straight game after being injured late in Week 8 against Denver. Cade Mays is expected to make another start at guard with Brady Christensen kicking over to left tackle.
Nov 1, 2024
Ruled out for Week 9
Ekwonu (ankle) won't play in Sunday's matchup against New Orleans, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Ekwonu injured his ankle in last Sunday's matchup against Denver. He wasn't able to practice at all this week, which will result in his absence versus the Saints on Sunday. Brady Christensen is expected to start at left tackle in Ekwonu's stead, per Joe Person of The Athletic.
Dec 31, 2023
Ready to go Sunday
Ekwonu (foot) is active Sunday against the Jaguars.
ANALYSIS
Ekwonu was limited in practice this week, but he'll ultimately suit up, which should be good news for the Panthers' offensive line. He should start at left tackle.
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