CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As the Carolina Panthers’ most recent collection of starting offensive linemen focused on the fundamentals of plays with running backs Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard during Tuesday’s walkthrough at Bank of America Stadium, injured guard Robert Hunt executed a series of drills off to the side with a team trainer.
With starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu (knee) returning to practice following a one-game absence and expected to start Sunday’s matchup against the visiting Seattle Seahawks, Hunt (biceps) could be nearing a return. Out since Week 2, Hunt’s 21-day window has yet to be opened, but Panthers coach Dave Canales sounded optimistic during his post-practice press conference over the pending reinforcements.
“I feel confident this week,” Canales said of Ekwonu. “But we have to go put him through his paces and make sure that he feels great and ready to go.”
The NFC South-leading Panthers (8-7) will release the week’s initial NFL injury report Wednesday. The injury-plagued offensive line featured 11 different combinations through Week 16.
With a win or tie Sunday, coinciding with a Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defeat, the Panthers would clinch their first division title since 2015.
Injured G Robert Hunt works on the side with a trainer during Tuesday’s #NFL walkthrough. Is Hunt nearing a return to #Panthers’ lineup … pic.twitter.com/FvoeyeVOw4
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) December 23, 2025
NFL Pro Bowl Honors Jaycee Horn, Snubs Derrick Brown
The NFL rewarded the Panthers with just one Pro Bowl selection: cornerback Jaycee Horn.
Left off the list was defensive lineman Derrick Brown, who leads the Panthers with five sacks. Horn, who is tied for second in the league with five interceptions, also earned the honor in 2024.
Canales and general manager Dan Morgan broke the news to Horn on Monday night.
“I just wanted him to know how proud I am of him, of the hard work that goes into this, and I see how hard he’s working on his body, on his mind, getting himself ready for game day, and it’s all paying off,” Canales said. “It’s all paying off because he’s doing things the right way and has a real professionalism about him.”
Brown didn’t shield his emotions Tuesday.
“I was definitely shocked … disappointed,” said Brown, adding he will use the snub as motivation. “They still gotta stop that s*** on Sunday.”
#Panthers CB Jaycee Horn was named to a 2nd straight #NFL #ProBowl Tuesday. Where’s DL Derrick Brown? … pic.twitter.com/UXPeelc8vF
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) December 24, 2025
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