Ikem Ekwonu was sidelined for the Panthers’ season opener. Carolina’s left tackle is set to make his season debut today, however. 
Ekwonu underwent an emergency appendectomy late in August. The procedure resulted in a day-to-day status and created questions about his ability to suit up in time for Week 1. That did not wind up being the case, but ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports the 24-year-old is expected to play this afternoon.
That will be welcomed news for a Panthers team which struggled on offense last week. Ekwonu is entering his fourth season with the team, and the former No. 6 pick has started each of his 49 games on the blindside to date. After playing every contest in 2022 and ’23, Ekwonu missed two games last season. Another campaign without any major absences would be key for the Panthers’ prospects this season but also the chances of a long-term commitment being worked out.
Ekwonu is currently scheduled to receive $17.65MM in 2026 given Carolina’s decision to pick up his fifth-year option this spring. The NC State product has made it clear he would welcome an extension, although no indications about contract talks emerged over the course of the summer. A healthy season would of course be pivotal in determining the Panthers’ willingness to make a multi-year investment in this case. Improving in Year 4 would also help Ekwonu’s earning power after an up-and-down start to his NFL career.
The 0-1 Panthers will take on the Cardinals this afternoon. Improvement will be sought out on offense, and Ekwonu being back at full strength marks a positive sign with respect to the team’s chances of taking a needed step forward in Week 2.