Ikem Ekwonu suffered what Panthers head coach Dave Canales referred to as a “significant” knee injury yesterday. Further testing has confirmed that is indeed the case. 
Canales said on Sunday Ekwonu suffered a torn patellar tendon. Surgery is forthcoming as a result. No firm timeline is in place at this point, but a lengthy rehab process now awaits the Panthers’ left tackle. Canales noted the injury will have an impact on Carolina’s offseason planning along the offensive line.
“It is something we have to consider, knowing we’re going to go through a full offseason — what’s the timeline, how does that affect training camp, roster numbers and all of that,” Canales said (via ESPN’s David Newton). “Timeline wise, all those times vary, but it’s significant.”
Ekwonu is in danger of missing not only the coming offseason program as well as training camp but also a large portion of the 2026 campaign. Being without him for an extended period would deal a notable blow to Carolina’s O-line, a unit which could see considerable turnover during the coming months. Ekwonu and the Panthers have a mutual interest in an extension, but a major injury such as this could lead to a pause in negotiations on that front.
Last offseason, the Panthers picked up Ekwonu’s fifth-year option. As a result, the 25-year-old is due to earn $17.56MM for 2026. That figure is guaranteed, but the potential for other left tackle investments in free agency and/or the draft will be something to watch closely in Carolina’s case. The team will be seeking offensive upgrades across the board coming off an inconsistent 2025 campaign which resulted in a division title but also left plenty of room for improvement.
Ekwonu was fully available for each of his first two years in the NFL. The former No. 6 pick missed just two games in each of the 2024 and ’25 campaigns, but that strong run of availability is in serious danger of being interrupted next season.