CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - A key Carolina Panthers starting player is unlikely to play in this Sunday’s season-opening game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, based on the team’s latest injury report.
Left tackle Ikem “Ickey” Ekwonu had emergency surgery to remove his appendix on Aug. 24, and has been “day-to-day” ever since, according to Panthers head coach Dave Canales.
In the days following Ekwonu’s surgery, the Charlotte native -- now entering his fourth NFL season -- was held out of practice until Friday, when he was listed as a limited participant on the Panthers’ injury report. His game status was listed as “doubtful.”
Despite what the injury report said, Canales reiterated that his team was still taking things “day-by-day” in a press conference clip posted by The Athletic’s Joe Person.
“We’re going to have to just keep taking it day-by-day,” Canales said in the clip. “We got him out there [Friday] to do some stuff, and just with how short of a window ... every day he takes leaps. Every day he does a little bit more. And it’s just like, we got to just kind of go all the way. He’s doubtful right now, we’ve just got to take it all the way to the game.”
Panthers left tackle Ickey Ekwonu could miss Carolina's season-opener after he had his...
Panthers left tackle Ickey Ekwonu could miss Carolina's season-opener after he had his appendix removed on Aug. 24.(Brian Westerholt | AP)
If Ekwonu were to be out for the Sept. 7 game in Jacksonville, Yosh Nijman or Brady Christensen would start in his place.
On Monday, Ekwonu told reporters he was feeling better every day and that he was not ruling out playing against the Jaguars.
“I’m following the plan set forth for me, so I’m not going to rule anything out,” the former NC State star said on Sept. 1. “I’m trying to follow the plan as best as I can, making sure I’m ready to go, and that when I do come back, I’m as healthy as I can be.”
Ekwonu is an important part of the Panthers’ offensive line that returns all five starters from 2024, and will be tasked with protecting quarterback Bryce Young’s blindside whenever he returns to action.
Carolina will face a stout pass rush on Sunday when they play Jacksonville, which boasts a strong tandem of pass-rushers in Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. Sunday. The game will be broadcast on FOX.
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